OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions on Other Engines Subaru ea 190v vs Honda gcv 190

I have been wondering about the differences between the Honda gcv 190 and the Subaru ea 190v, because the Subaru just seems like another chonda, but it seems to be a better engine than the Honda. I can say this because I was given a 6 month old Subaru ea190v on a ryobi base which had been used once and stored, thankfully with the fuel tap in the off position, which allegedly didn't run, but all it required was fresh fuel, and I have kept it to do my lawns with, and it is an absolute ripper of a lawn mower, and it mulches better than anything I have ever owned. The reviews for this mower are largely positive, whereas the Honda reviews are comparatively poor. Another thing I like is the chain driven cam in the ea190v because as it is not a belt, it won't slip, and it shouldn't stretch, either because the engine is under no load , except for spinning a blade disc which weighs 3 kgs. Also, is it true that the ea190 has variable valve timing?

Shouldn't it be referred to as a Robin? That was "Subie Joober's" small engine arm.

Yeah, it probably should be, but call it a subaru for the minute,as it is marketed as one, and most people don't know of Subaru industrial, let alone robin.

If possible, could people please share background experience with these engines, as my knowledge is mostly restricted to Victa two strokes and b&s engines.

These engines started out as Wisconsin engines. Through acquisitions become Robin-Wisconsin then just Robin. Through the acquisition by Subaru they became Robin-Subaru now they are just Subaru. The older engines were well made engines but I don't about the latest engines as they haven't made into my shop yet.

In my area it is the Kohler, Kawasaki, and Briggs that are the most common mower engines. The Subaru engine and all the previous names they were once was have been fairly problem free other carburetor problems here.

Robin had good name, why did they meddle with a name of high esteem? Subaru are known for automobiles built as Mercedes Benz for the middle class. Why adopt a car name for small utilitarian engines? Did they think having this well known car maker's name for a mower engine would increase sales?
Quite befitting really, as the Subaru boxer fours always did remind me of a four stroke lawn mower when they accelerate away.

What do you guys think of the Honda though?

Also, is it a true fact that the Subaru has variable valve timing? If so , how do u adjust it;)thx