Venting....

   Im pretty bummed that we are turning into a disposable world. The other day Fast Eddie was showing me how he installs new valve guides in Shovel Heads. He was suprised when I told him that I never replace the guides in small engines. I can get a whole new head cheaper than repairing the old one. We used to rebuild and fix everything back in the day, and now because everything is mass produced in some other country and poorly made we just unbolt what ever is broken or worn and stick a new one on. Most of the time the new part is really no better than the worn out one.

  One of the things in particular, is the fact that American company's and manufactures are now moving their factorys to places like China. Taking American jobs and money from our own economy. For years Briggs and Stratton have been bagging on these new chinese Honda clone motors and telling everyone how inferior they are. Now Briggs and Stratton have their own Chinese clones that are branded with there name (shame).  Briggs isnt the only one; Kohler has their chinese motors and just about anything made by MTD are made in China. With most of these clones; its cheaper to buy a whole new motor than to even pay someone to do a basic service on them. Where does that leave people who are mechanics or small service shops? Even then, if we are just throwing everything away...we are just creating more waste to fill our landfills.

I think we all need to rethink our own purchasing habbits.  Carefully chose who to do business with, and watch were our money is going. Before you go to the big box store; check out a local small business. You'll find that they will have better customer service and be more interested in help you find what your looking for. They may not be the cheapest or have it in stock; but usually they will be selling better products and your money will stay in your area, boosting your local economy. I saw a bumper sticker that said "OUT OF A JOB YET? KEEP BUYING FOREIGN". I know its cheaper and sounds like a good deal. But, is it better? NO! It never is. And in more ways than one.

BUY AMERICAN AND THINK AND SHOP LOCALLY!

Sorry too bore you (if you even read this). Just had to get it out.