You missed my point.I have a Honda on a Pressure washer and a Kawasaki on a John Deere.Both good engines.But that does not mean im going to buy a Honda car or Toyota.I realise there are import parts on domestic cars.I also realise the imports are made here.But thats are own fault its a sighn of the damage thats been done. The imports are thriving now.The domestics are hurting they had to pull out to compete.They had to outsource just like everything else is. My point is what will you think of it when it happens to your job?What will you think when your kids and grandkids are not employeable?I dont think people realise its coming.Manufacturing is going going gone.The trend today is services or medical fields maybe construction.But they will be outsourced before we know it and no one will be able to afford to get sick when there is not a job with health insurance and construction will eventually slump.No need for new housing when you can buy a foreclosed on place for pennies on the dollar.Houses are going up all over but latlety the news papers are thicker more pages for the forecloseur notices.Its hard to believe so many educated people just can not grasp whats got to happen.So the heck with the domestic brand this and that.Just remember it when it rolls around to your lively hood.

I think the Husqvarna 55 was notorious for cracked fuel lines. I got about three years of good service out of mine. One day while I was cutting up a huge fallen oak it started running lean, and by the time I took it to the dealer they told me the cylinder was scored and repair would equal the cost of a new saw. (Note to first-time saw users -- at the first sign of lean running stop!) I don't think it's probably fair to say that Husqvarna makes a bad product just because they had a run of bad fuel lines, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. I replaced it with a Shindaiwa 488. I've had owned the Shindaiwa and about three times longer than the Husqvarna and I'm happy with it.

Yes I have and I'm not too happy! I have a 6 ton 2 speed DR I purchased back in October of '06. Very limited use. This last week I needed to re-split 3 cord I finally found from a cutter for my stove. Chunks were to large for this stove. About a 1/2 cord into this pile my splitter flat lost its best busting pressure. The slower speed is its higher pressure. I go on-line and Chat twice, then called to speak to someone who might assist with knowledge about the problem and a corrective action. Well parts, like seals and gaskets are not even available! And, DR doesn't even have a 6 ton anymore. A small, low sitting 5 or a trailerable 10 ton...yes. Big bucks for the latter ones, Not to be discouraged I went on-line and spent 12 hours over a 2 days period looking for parts to this model/ design. The closest looking design was a Ryobi where the fluid resevoir is in the main body. The pump and valve are all part of this certain configuration and I could not locate ANYTHING! It's possible one option would be to buy the whole 'Main body' separately. But, this idea, along with horrendous freight charges I'm not considering! It still works if I fiddle with the faster speed/ lower pressure right close the piece. But that old, once impressive and worth bragging about busting ability is gone! I even spoke with a DR mechanic from a distributor and he admitted DR was terrible about not stocking parts...least wise for splitters. I went looking for another one splitter but I'm pretty bummed about these electrics if you can't repair the hydraulics with the things. Since '06 Ive purchased a couple skid steers for my snow removal business. I have an order in for a skid steer mounted splitter. I know, not everyone has this option and they still burn expensive fuel. But, it's simpler with just a ram, a valve and the equipments hydraulics. But, I'm staying away from the electrics. They do work, though...for awhile. Then you have nothing but a big piece of iron laying around. Repair stations will tell you the cost to repair a hydraulic issue isn't worth the money! That's what I was told!

well Dave, I see that the contractor posted his findings so I wouldn't worry too much about upsetting or offending anyone. it isn't unusual for there to be conflicting opinions, but the fact is that you and he are the only ones who have seen the ductwork. his discription of your return air setup is suspect. I see he is advising you to wait out the summer to do any duct/return modifications. if you can, do. it is awfully hot to be modifying ductwork this time of year. a rushed job isn't a good job. better someone take the time to properly install and seal ducts. it kinda bothered me that no mention of duct or return sealing was mentioned. of course the discussion is pretty technical. but I find that leaky ducts/returns are often overlooked. when you talk about the kids rooms and the 3-4 temp difference, you mention west facing windows. how many & what approx size are in each room? what type of windows do you have? single pane, double pane? metal frames, vinyl frames? clear glass or low-e glass? if the temp difference is due to the west windows..and it would be here in my area, then there are a couple of things you could try. block the afternoon sun from the exterior for a day or two and see if this evens out the 3-4 degree temp difference. wouldn't have to look great, or be permanent, just stop the solar gain. if you can keep the heat from entering the house, then the a/c doesn't have the added load to temper. exterior shading is the best route. rather than interior shades & curtains. beat the heat before it gets inside. if this works then invest in solar screens. yes they are darker than normal screens, but they will minimize heat gain. if windows are double paned..you can't install window tints as it will increase heat between panes and blow the seal. awnings and bahama shutters are other options but to me..at this point solar screens would be more cost effective. right now you have more time than solutions, so give it a try. don't worry about riling those guys up..they live for that stuff. Shophound & the guys have a good handle on things, so let them talk themselves around. I have to admire your restraint & patience. you are aware that 1" pleated filters are very restrictive? for now I'd change to a less restrictive filter. at least then more air will return to the unit. hang in there. best of luck.