Trail Blazer 302Which engine?

[wildfire]

Hi everyone. I'm buying a new TB302 and they tell me there's two engines to choise from. There's the Kohler and the Subaru/Robin. Any thoughts on which one is the best one for this machine? What happened to the Onan motors in these welders? Thanks. Paul

[trevwelder]

I dont know much about the Subaru/Robin, so I cant say about them. I went with the Kohler and have had good luck with it. It has just over 2500 hrs on it and has ran very well for me.

[Bert]

Darn sure don't quote me on this, but there was a good thread about this a few weeks ago. Do a search on "trailblazer" and you'll probably find it. I think overall, people went with the subaru.

[wildfire]

Darn sure don't quote me on this, but there was a good thread about this a few weeks ago. Do a search on "trailblazer" and you'll probably find it. I think overall, people went with the subaru.

Thanks guys. I'm thinking Subaru is actually Onan which I don't mind because Miller has used them for years. I'll look for the thread. Thanks!

[Bert]

wildfire, I've been searching all this time and still can't find it. Found a thread for a regular type generator, and they liked the subaru and Honda over the Briggs/Stratton motors... Can anyone else chime in for the Trailblazer engines?????

[cruizer]

I think everbody went with Kohler, wayyyyyyyyyyy, better engine

[Bert]

Clint had a post that his friend could overhaul Kohler engines in a matter of a few hours...Vicegrip, think you might be right!!!

[Bert]

Clint had a post that his friend could overhaul Kohler engines in a matter of a few hours...Vicegrip, think you might be right!!! But, depending on our LWS, we might not even get a choice,eh?

[Copperdog]

I have a Kohler in mine, I also have a Kohler in my Cub Cadet.
4 miles over the hill is the Cub Cadet dealer which I have delt with for years.
Just filters and spark plugs, never needed service.
My point is, where I am located, there is no Robin dealers.

[bryce_burden]

Thanks guys. I'm thinking Subaru is actually Onan which I don't mind because Miller has used them for years. I'll look for the thread. Thanks!

Yes I'm pretty sure that the Subaru/Robin is the old Onan engines, that is what I'd go with. I'm not sure about the Kohlers in Millers machines but the one my old boss has in his lawnmower has gave him nothing but trouble. Service might be a bit more troublesome to find things for the Robin but overall I think you'd be happier with it over the Kohler. I know I'm extremely pleased with the ones we have out at work.

[wildfire]

I was just sniffing around and found this:


1920 - Onan started in business.
1925 - They purchased 25 model FE engines from Briggs & Stratton.
1927 - They built a ten light generator.
1930 - The first engine was built.
1932 - The first Gen Set was produced.
During World War II, Onan supplied 85% of the military generators.
1946 - The Onan Corporation was formed.
1960s - Studebaker purchased Onan and introduced the J series air-cooled engine.
1975 - Hawker Siddeley bought 33% of Onan.
1979 - McGraw Edison bought 67% of Onan from Studebaker.
1985 - Onan now has 92.3% of the Recreational Vehicle market.
1986 - Cummins Engine Co begins the acquisition of Onan Corp.
1992 - Cummins Engine Co completes the acquisition of Onan Corp.
1997 - Onan closes its Huntsville engine manufacturing plant and sells their tooling and technology to Linamar Corp of Canada.
1997 - Linamar starts producing Performer and Elite engines for Onan in a new plant in Guelph, Ontario.
2000 - Onan contracts with Fuji/Robin to manufacture their OHV EH64 Horizintal V-twin engine for Onan for the welder industry.
2003 - Linamar stops producing Performer engines for Onan and Onan exits the small gasoline engine business.
2004 - Fuji/Robin stops making Onan branded engines for the welder market and transitions to making Suburu/Robin engines for the welder industry.
2005 - Linamar stops producing two cylinder Performer engines sold under the Linamar name.
2007 - Onan changes it name and Logo to Cummins Onan and starts a new website at http://www.cumminsonan.com/.

[weldersales]

Suburu/Robin

The Onan Miller used for over 4 decades has no relation to this engine. At the time, Onan was the best small engine on the market. When Onan stopped building the Performer series, it appeared that the new engine, the 'v' engine, might be more easily recognized if the name 'Onan' were used. In the early days of this engine's introduction on the Bobcat, Legend, and Trailblazer models Onan dealers handled parts and service. In our area, they no longer do and it is much harder to get the older Performer parts. Also, the powers that be have elected to promote the names 'Suburu' and 'Robin'. We use both the Kohler and Suburu engines here and are extremely satisfied with both. While both give good service Kohler has had many issues with gasket failures causing oil leaks, lifter problems, and such in their later engines. We have had little or no problems with the Suburu engine. weldersales

[wildfire]

The Onan Miller used for over 4 decades has no relation to this engine. At the time, Onan was the best small engine on the market. When Onan stopped building the Performer series, it appeared that the new engine, the 'v' engine, might be more easily recognized if the name 'Onan' were used. In the early days of this engine's introduction on the Bobcat, Legend, and Trailblazer models Onan dealers handled parts and service. In our area, they no longer do and it is much harder to get the older Performer parts. Also, the powers that be have elected to promote the names 'Suburu' and 'Robin'. We use both the Kohler and Suburu engines here and are extremely satisfied with both. While both give good service Kohler has had many issues with gasket failures causing oil leaks, lifter problems, and such in their later engines. We have had little or no problems with the Suburu engine. weldersales

See this is why I enjoy this site. Experance is everything in this field and I appreciate your post. Great info my friend. Thanks a bunch.

[Bert]

Very nice gentlemen!!! Now, do we actually get a CHOICE????
bert

[welderman23]

Very nice gentlemen!!! Now, do we actually get a CHOICE????
bert

YES .....but only if you call your congressman and send me some of that Hawaiian chocolate you got