Float valve for evap cooler

Hey people, just thought I'd share an interestng experience I had today.
Recently purchased a used evaportive cooler - a well known brand - pretty cheap. The unit is used, but from my limited knowledge of swampys figured that it aint rocket science & that I could give the unit a service, buy some diy ducting kit & save myself a #*@! load of money. First task was to clean the pads, easy!! Next, sort the float valve. Located local service centre for my brand & paid them a visit. Answer - no, we don't bother with replacing washers etc. Not worth our while. We can sell you a complete float valve assembly, which by the way looked nothing like the original cup float that I walked in with, they were flogging a toilet float valve arrangement with the float on the end of a long arm & wanted $98 bucks for it!!:mad:
I told them what I thought about that concept & made my way to a local plumbing supply place. Sure, which bit do you want - washer - $5, valve assembly - $10 or a complete cup float assembly - $25.:)
Man, it pays to shop around.
Next step, new bearings for main motor, but not thru a/c shop.
Cheers.