I have to admit, I was surprised by the con rod issue, but you have admit how that must have been a kick in the teeth for that particular user (after replacing the carb in order to get a runner).

Sure Sig has been fantastic about correcting the carb issues, without a doubt, but think about the amount of grief these bargain engines have created for everybody involved - Sig included. There's probably what, a 25% dealer markup on these things? So Sig is potentially making about $12 for each one they sell, and probably losing 4X that for every one they have to fix (because of salaries, administrative fees, postage, correspondence, correspondence to other countries, etc...). I bet they can't wait to get that albatross from around their neck!

Being married with children limits the amount of time for my hobbies, so I am not in a position to spend my precious time fiddling with troubleshooting & warranty returns. Don't get me wrong, I love to tinker with engines of all sorts - I've even been known to design and build a few of my own - it's a hobby of mine, but... when I spend hard earned cash for a NEW engine, I expect it to perform as the advertiser claims, without having to send it in for warranty work or replace components. On the other hand, I'm a frugal SOB, so I've been bitten more than once.

-Joe