25cc 4stroke trimmer help

I have the BC490 4stroke trimmer. I broke a cam tappet with a bent rod. The motor is fine. I am trying to locate a supplier of motor parts to replace these 2 pieces. The motor is available for $70-$80 + shipping all over the web, but actual internals seem to be under tight guard. Are their any ideas on how I can purchase internals for this motor?

Go to cub cadets website and put in your model #, it shows 2 different year models for the BC490. There will then be an engine section to view.

Might try calling your nearby Cub Cadet to see if they have the parts available.

Is there someone that can direct me to who the actual engine manufacturer is? I've now got approx 32 hr of search invested and I've made calls to both Cub Cadet and the parent company MTD in Ohio, customer service was eager to try but just unable to help or confirm who actually makes the motor.
 
I know the do-it-yourself-market is much stronger in Europe or Austrailia (searching on .uk or .au, I sometimes use their pages to figure out how to find parts here, broader range of data), are there ideas that might make this search a bit quicker?
 
Is this motor used in brands outside the MTD family of tools?
 
Is this motor or a varient used in the R/C world?
 
Is this motor or a varient used in powering bicycles, scooters, go-karts?
 
These might be ways to get around the MTD parts system to get this part. I'm sure it's out there, I just haven't turned over enough rocks.
 
The images are of the good cam follower, I need an identicle one. maybe I'll end up making one?
 
 
 
 

Timbo74
I would just replace the whole trimmer. Why would you want a 4 stroke trimmer anyway? Trimmers are just supposed to be 2 stroke, anything else is just not right. What's next 4 stroke chainsaws?

Yes.

AVB

Timbo74
I would just replace the whole trimmer. Why would you want a 4 stroke trimmer anyway? Trimmers are just supposed to be 2 stroke, anything else is just not right. What's next 4 stroke chainsaws?

Yes.

well you wouldn't see me with one. Sometimes there is no substitute for 2 stroke power. A 4 stroke chainsaw would spend more time falling on its face, then in the cut. I'm sure there is a reason why Stihl never built a 4 mix chainsaw.

I am a big 2 stroke fan too but the reality is they are headed the way of the dinosaur due to emission regulations. The 4 stroke whether conventional or hybrid really shines because of the superior torque, a 2 stroke has a very narrow power band and has to scream to produce power. The big problems are complexity and weight. I talked to a Shindaiwa rep who had tried a prototype 80cc chainsaw, he said the thing was an absolute beast. 

Saws will have to be hybrid for the reasons you state. It will be interesting to see if the EPA continues down this restrictive path with the present administration but if the Democrats return to power it's back to square 1. What a nightmare!

Wow, it's nice to see a little life brought back to this post. Thank you Timbo74, AVB, and Roy for your comments, and motivating me in this again.
 
To be clear, I own a toro that I have designated for only trimming limbs (yes its a 2-stroke) and my favorite, a solid shaft shindaiwa hybrid 2-stroke. My shindaiwa is vibration free, reliable, and very quiet! I can't say enough good things about it.
 
I bought the 4 stroke cub cadet because it was $25, and it was perfect for teaching basic mechanics to my son. I'm also thankful to the store that made this idea possible, I'm a regular customer (just bought horse fence there) and I have voiced this every step of the way, like now.
 
My idea for this training was to let my son think of a way to put this motor to work once he rebuilt it himself (rc car or boat or?). I was not interested in using it for a trimmer, but had no real opinion on the 4 stroke cub cadets until this project, other than the old cub cadet Garden Tractors that were a beast.
 
When I opened the motor case to diagnose the problem I found it very clean inside with very little wear for something needing to be rebuilt. The project took a turn when I found it difficult to buy the parts for such a new product and found a lack of information.
 
I tried to be clear about the stores or the companies responsibility in it, they had no responsibility.
 
I have not made a customer complaint as a customer about the product but my observations and what turned into a long process, while I was trying to demonstrate to my son to not give up, and allow others to possibly benefit from what I learned about the little motor so people could make an informed decision if they wanted to, or in other words take the time to contribute to the community that has helped me in other issues past. I am the first to admit I'm not a whiz at this, or a very good communicator, but I am a good researcher.
 
I had contact with cub cadet corporate and then mtd and an importer for mtd trying to find out what the actual name of the engine manufacturer was. I did get a conversation with an engineer for mtd (30 minutes or so, eye opening). In this journey I found so many people willing to help, yet the question is still unanswered.
 
My comments about cub cadet or not to cub cadet are based on this experience, and specific to the 4 stroke trimmer motor, the quest for a $12 part. Perhaps I should have titled it that instead.....I'm still learning.
 
I consider this product to be a disposable product, not meant to be serviced, or last longer than 1 or 2 years, based on there support structure as I've come to learn. If your in the market for a $150 trimmer, spending more on a "good" trimmer might not be in your budget, and I'm cognizant of that.
 
Techtronics makes a similar part for an outdated ryobi but its still not the same exact same size, by the way it was a possible recommendation by cub cadet.
 
The discussion about 4 stroke or 2 stroke for trimmers is a good one and I believe the epa will force 4 stroke, mostly (like in marine motors).
 
I favor 2 stroke for motors that have to accommodate all different angles or even operate upside down. A true 4 stroke prefers to operate as level as possible for best oil lubrication and pressure. It will tend to run at cooler temps allowing for a longer life, generally.
 
I view a 2 stroke in these special circumstances as a good compromise in function and operators comfort. The 2 stroke makes power every 180 degrees burning at higher temps (producing torque faster) but because it is lubed through fuel, it can achieve consistent lubrication regardless of angle it operates in, and oil pressure or volume as a concern is made unnecessary generally.
 
I would still like to finish this project.
 
I am looking for the answer as to how to buy a cam follower for it? Part number, brand, or if that is truly impossible to know, than who actually manufactures the motor, even if its outside the US?
 
I may turn this into a new project with my son, how to manufacture your own engine parts, with the mill/lathe/etc I have yet to get the green light on to buy from the boss......But who knows it could happen.