Mick, the Gardenline and Sanli both use chonda engines, which as far as the base engine is concerned, are rather accurate copies of Honda GXV series engines. Hence they don't ooze oil unless something has gone wrong. The only thing I've heard of happening to them more often than to genuine Hondas in that respect, is sludge-blockage of the PCV system. In most cases the PCV system is the same as on genuine Hondas (the exception being that a few of them use a flexible flap valve instead of a disk valve: a variation I dislike). Hence it seems that chonda owners are much less prone to changing the oil, than Honda owners. Personally, I can't blame the chonda manufacturers for making a product that appeals strongly to degenerate bogans: that is largely out of their hands.
I have never expected side valve Briggs engines - the bargain-basement items in their product range - to perform like much more expensive engines, and hence have not been disappointed by them. I used to own one, and up to that time it was by far the best mower engine I'd ever used. (Let's not dwell on what I'd used previously, in case I offend some keen collector of one of them.) Then I got my first Honda, and have never used anything else since. In due course, if I live long enough to need another mower, I'll be looking at chondas. I can no longer tolerate either side valve engines, or Honda prices. Of course I'll expect to put up with a few teething troubles with the kind of mowers that have chonda engines, but once those are sorted, I think I'll be happy.
I'll close this thread.
