I agree with NormK as to it has gotten to throw away level. It is a lot to do with the attitude of today's users and owners. The "I don't time to wait for the repairs." is one of them. This is also because how cheap a manufacture is selling the equipment is the first place vs replacement parts cost.
As a shop we can't be paying over half the cost of value of the equipment for parts and then add any of our labor costs. I just did a simple valve replacement on a Briggs 130000 series Friday. Replace both valve, the exhaust valve guide, head gasket, and spark plug. This was just a patch up job as the engine should had been overhauled. It took nearly 4 hours as the replacement valves were too long (probably valve seat wear) and had to be filed to achieve to needed valve clearances along quick valve seat to face grinding for a good seal. I should have done the three angle valve seat job. Anyways I end only charging for two hours. One OEM valve, one aftermarket valve, OEM valve guide, aftermarket head gasket, and aftermarket spark plug. It still ran nearly half of the new replacement engine.
I even had customers trying to bring in parts that they brought off eBay or from another source and wanting me to install them for free. I just turn them around and send them on their merry way; actually their pissed off way.
On the subject of aftermarket parts. I check on the price on the intake valve that I had one hand since 2016. It costed me $3 back then and yesterday when I priced the valve it was $18 which is more then the Briggs OEM valve retail price. I just can not just paying $18 for a valve that costs me $9.80 from my Briggs distributor. Oh I did find it in an aftermarket for $5.63 apiece so I ordered 5 for stock plus the exhaust at $7.60 which Briggs is wanting $12. Also order 10 head gaskets too.
Now this year it seems that every distributor are signing contracts that prevents them from selling aftermarket parts for the Briggs equipment. Luckily there are still a few independent sellers out there that still the aftermarket parts that I use currently. For how that will last who knows.
Anyway I got 6 more years before I can sign up for government retirement checks. I definitely considering quitting the repair business then. Just too much of hassle just to get parts lately.
On the wrist watches I had give up on wearing on at work as I keep busting the crystal faces and couple tried cook my wrist on the metal bands. The same for rings as they are a hazard too.
