> Perhaps it was a Honda unit, for camping and other short time 
 > useage. Or was it home- made?? If home made then read on......
It was an Olsen & Rice (I might have "Olsen" spelled wrong), not home-made.
 > Weedeater [and model aero engines] are designed with
 > absurd high power to weight ratios, and a very short operational 
 > life [100 hours?] is possible before these are scrapped. And the fuel 
 > consumption is absurdly high ie KWh energy delivered per pint of fuel.
This thing was not really meant to be a standby power unit, more like an 
"infinite length extension cord". Something to run a power tool out on the 
Back Forty. 
You're absolutely correct that a unit meant for long-term use should have a 
4-stroke engine on it. My personal preferance would be for a multi-cylinder 
water-cooled outfit.
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