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* The engine control area differs based on the engine type.
Your safety and the safety of others are very important. We have provided important safety messages in this manual and on the engine. Please read these messages carefully.
A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Each safety message is preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three words, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.
Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.
DAMAGE PREVENTION MESSAGES
You will also see other important messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE.
This word means:
NOTICE
Your engine, other property, or the environment can be damaged if you don't follow instructions.
The purpose of these messages is to help prevent damage to your engine, other property, or the environment.
IS YOUR ENGINE READY TO GO?
For your safety, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and to maximize the service life of your equipment, it is very important to take a few moments before you operate the engine to check its condition. Be sure to take care of any problem you find, or have your servicing dealer correct it, before you operate the engine.
Improperly maintaining this engine, or failing to correct a problem before operation, could cause a malfunction in which you could be seriously injured.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before each operation, and correct any problem.
Before beginning your preoperation checks, be sure the engine is level and the throttle lever, or engine stop switch is in the STOP or OFF position.
Always check the following items before you start the engine:
Review the instructions provided with the equipment powered by this engine for any precautions and procedures that should be followed before engine startup.
Before operating the engine for the first time, please review the SAFETY MESSAGES and the BEFORE OPERATION CHECKS.
For your safety, do not operate the engine in an enclosed area such as a garage. Your engine's exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or death.
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can build up to dangerous levels in closed areas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness or death.
Never run the engine in a closed or even partially closed area where people may be present.
Review the instructions provided with the equipment powered by this engine for any safety precautions that should be observed with engine startup, shutdown, or operation.
Do not operate the engine on slopes greater than 20°.
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis (more than 4 weeks between usage), See "AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS" for additional information regarding fuel deterioration.
See the figures to identify the type of control used on your equipment. Type specific starting and stopping information can be found after the general information shown below.
NOTICE
Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.
The Oil Alert system is designed to prevent engine damage caused by an insufficient amount of oil in the crankcase. Before the oil level in the crankcase can fall below a safe limit, the Oil Alert system will automatically stop the engine [the throttle lever (ignition switch lever) will remain in a run position].
If the engine stops and will not restart, check the engine oil level before troubleshooting in other areas.
Type 1: Manual Choke, Manual Throttle
STARTING THE ENGINE
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Type 2: Manual Choke, Ignition Switch Lever, Fixed Throttle
STARTING THE ENGINE
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Move the ignition switch lever (red) to the OFF position.
Type 3: Manual Choke, Engine Stop Switch, Fixed Throttle
Some engine applications use a remote-mounted engine stop switch rather than the engine-mounted engine stop switch shown. Refer to the instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.
STARTING THE ENGINE
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Move the engine stop switch to the OFF position (see Figure 6).
Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation. It will also help reduce pollution.
Improper maintenance, or failure to correct a problem before operation, can cause a malfunction in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations and schedules in this Owner's Manual.
To help you properly care for your engine, the following pages include a maintenance schedule, routine inspection procedures, and simple maintenance procedures using basic hand tools. Other service tasks that are more difficult, or require special tools, are best handled by professionals and are normally performed by a Honda technician or other qualified mechanic.
The maintenance schedule applies to normal operating conditions. If you operate your engine under severe conditions, such as sustained high-load or high-temperature operation, or use in unusually wet or dusty conditions, consult your servicing dealer for recommendations applicable to your individual needs and use.
Remember that an authorized Honda servicing dealer knows your engine best and is fully equipped to maintain and repair it.
To ensure the best quality and reliability, use only new Honda Genuine parts or their equivalents for repair and replacement.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and systems may be performed by any engine repair establishment or individual, using parts that are "certified" to EPA standards.
Some of the most important safety precautions follow. However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task.
Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and precautions in this Owner's Manual.
Perform at every indicated month/year or operating hour interval, whichever comes first.(1)
Regular Service Period | Item |
Before each use | Check: Engine oil level Check: Air filter |
First month or 5 hours | Change: Engine oil |
Every 3 months or 25 hours | Clean: Air filter (2) |
Every 6 months or 50 hours | Change: Engine oil (3) Clean: Air filter (2) |
Every year or 100 hours | 6 month items above plus: Check-adjust: Spark plug Clean: Spark arrester (if equipped) Check-adjust: Idle speed (4) Clean: Fuel tank and filter (4) Check-adjust: Valve clearance (4) |
Every 2 years or 200 hours | Yearly items above plus: Replace: Air filter Replace: Spark plug |
Every 2 years | Check: Fuel lines (4) (replace if necessary) |
This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher (research octain rating of 91 or higher).
We recommend refueling after each use to minimize the air present in the fuel tank.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. If the engine has been running, allow it to cool first. Never refuel the engine inside a building where gasoline fumes may reach flames or sparks.
You may use regular unleaded gasoline containing no more than 10% ethanol (E10) or 5% methanol by volume. In addition, methanol must contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors. Use of fuels with content of ethanol or methanol greater than shown above may cause starting and/or performance problems. It may also damage metal, rubber, and plastic parts of the fuel system. In addition, ethanol is hygroscopic, which means it attracts and retains water in the fuel system. Engine damage or performance problems that result from using a fuel with percentages of ethanol or methanol greater than shown above are not covered by warranty.
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis (more than 4 weeks between usage), See "AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS" for additional information regarding fuel deterioration.
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel.
Adding Fuel
NOTICE
Fuel can damage paint and some types of plastic. Be careful not to spill fuel when filling your fuel tank. Damage caused by spilled fuel is not covered under your DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED WARRANTY.
Oil is a major factor affecting performance and service life. Always change the oil in accordance with the maintenance schedule.
Recommended Oil
Use 4-stroke motor oil that meets or exceeds the requirements for API service category SJ or later. Always check the API service label on the oil container to be sure it includes the letters SJ or later.
SAE 10W-30 is recommended for general use. Other viscosities shown in the chart may be used when the average temperature in your area is within the indicated range.
Oil Level Check
See Figure 8.
Oil Change
Drain the engine oil when the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly and completely.
A properly maintained air filter will help prevent dirt from entering your engine. Dirt entering the carburetor can be drawn into small passages in the carburetor and cause premature engine wear. These small passages can become blocked, causing starting or running problems. You will need to clean the filter more frequently if you operate the engine in very dusty areas.
NOTICE
Operating the engine without an air filter, or with a damaged filter, will allow dirt to enter the engine, causing rapid engine wear. This type of damage is not covered under your DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED WARRANTY.
We recommend the use of a Honda Genuine air filter to ensure it seals and performs as designed. Using a non-Honda air filter can result in dirt bypassing the filter, causing damage to the engine or fuel system.
Inspection
Cleaning
Required Spark Plug: NGK - BPR6ES
The required spark plug is the correct heat range for normal engine operating temperatures.
NOTICE
Incorrect spark plugs can cause engine damage.
For good performance, the spark plug must be properly gapped and free of deposits.
The spark arrester may be standard or an optional part, depending on the engine type. In some areas, it is illegal to operate an engine without a spark arrester. Check local laws and regulations. A spark arrester is available from authorized Honda servicing dealers.
The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to keep it functioning as designed.
If the engine has been running, the muffler will be hot. Allow it to cool before servicing the spark arrester.
Removal
Cleaning & Inspection
STORAGE PREPARATION
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your engine trouble-free and looking good. The following steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your engine's function and appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use it again.
CLEANING
If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before cleaning. Clean all exterior surfaces, touch up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil.
NOTICE
Using a garden hose or pressure washing equipment can force water into the air cleaner or muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the air filter, and water that passes through the air filter or muffler can enter the cylinder, causing damage.
FUEL
See "AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS".
ENGINE OIL
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS
If your engine will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank, it is important to reduce the hazard of gasoline vapor ignition. Select a well-ventilated storage area away from any appliance that operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a spark-producing electric motor, or where power tools are operated.
If possible, avoid storage areas with high humidity, because that promotes rust and corrosion.
Keep the engine level in storage. Tilting can cause fuel or oil leakage.
With the engine and exhaust system cool, cover the engine to keep out dust. A hot engine and exhaust system can ignite or melt some materials. Do not use sheet plastic as a dust cover. A nonporous cover will trap moisture around the engine, promoting rust and corrosion.
Removal From Storage
Check your engine as described in the BEFORE OPERATION CHECKS section of this manual.
If the fuel was drained during storage preparation, fill the tank with fresh gasoline. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be sure it contains only fresh gasoline. Gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates over time, causing hard starting.
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine will smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
Keep the engine level when transporting to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
Review the instructions provided with the equipment powered by this engine for any procedures that should be followed for transporting.
POSSIBLE CAUSE | CORRECTION |
Choke is OFF. | Unless the engine is warm, move the choke lever to the CHOKE position. |
Ignition switch or engine stop |
|
Engine oil level is low (oil alert models) | Fill with the recommended oil to the proper level. |
Out of fuel. | Refuel |
Bad fuel; engine stored without treating gasoline, or refueled with bad gasoline. | Drain the fuel tank and carburetor. Refuel with fresh gasoline. |
Spark plug faulty, fouled, or improperly gapped. | Adjust or replace the spark plug. |
Spark plug wet with fuel (flooded engine). | Dry and reinstall the spark plug. Start the engine with the choke in the OFF position and the throttle lever in the FAST position. |
Fuel filter clogged, carburetor malfunction, ignition malfunction, valves stuck, etc. | Take the engine to an authorized Honda servicing dealer or refer to the shop manual to replace or repair faulty components as necessary. |
POSSIBLE CAUSE | CORRECTION |
Air filter clogged. | Clean or replace the air filter. |
Bad fuel; engine stored without treating the gasoline, of refueled with bad gasoline. | Drain the fuel tank and carburetor. Refuel with fresh gasoline. |
Fuel filter clogged, carburetor malfunction, ignition malfunction, valves stuck, etc. | Take the engine to an authorized Honda servicing dealer or refer to the shop manual to replace or repair faulty components as necessary. |
Carburetor Modifications for High Altitude Operation
At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be too rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. A very rich mixture will also foul the spark plug and cause hard starting. Operation at an altitude that differs from that at which this engine was certified, for extended periods of time, may increase emissions.
High altitude performance can be improved by specific modifications to the carburetor. If you always operate your engine at altitudes above 2,000 feet (610 meters), have your servicing dealer perform this carburetor modification. This engine, when operated at high altitude with the carburetor modifications for high altitude use, will meet each emission standard throughout its useful life.
Even with carburetor modification, engine horsepower will decrease about 3.5% for each 1,000-foot (300-meter) increase in altitude. The effect of altitude on horsepower will be greater than this if no carburetor modification is made.
When using auto throttle type engines in high altitude applications, the ability to idle down to 2,500 rpm could be diminished. See your servicing dealer for information on adjustments if your auto throttle unit does not idle down with the load released or has trouble returning to full rpm with the load applied.
NOTICE
When the carburetor has been modified for high altitude operation, the air-fuel mixture will be too lean for low altitude use. Operation at altitudes below 2,000 feet (610 meters) with a modified carburetor may cause the engine to overheat and result in serious engine damage. For use at low altitudes, have your servicing dealer return the carburetor to original factory specifications.
GC160
Length x Width x Height | 13.3 x 14.7 x 13.0 in (337 x 372.5 x 331 mm) |
Dry weight | 25 lb (11.5 kg) |
Engine type | 4-stroke, overhead cam, single cylinder |
Displacement [Bore x Stroke] | 9.8 cu-in (160 cm3) [2.5 x 2.0 in (64 x 50 mm)] |
Oil capacity | 20 oz (0.58 L) |
Fuel tank capacity | 0.48 gal (1.8 L) |
Cooling system | Forced air |
Ignition system | Transistorized magneto |
PTO shaft rotation | Counterclockwise |
GC190
Length x Width x Height | 13.6 x 14.7 x 13.0 in (345 x 372.5 x 331 mm) |
Dry weight | 29 lb (13.2 kg) |
Engine type | 4-stroke, overhead cam, single cylinder |
Displacement [Bore x Stroke] | 11.4 cu-in (187 cm3) [2.7 x 2.0 in (69 x 50 mm)] |
Oil capacity | 20 oz (0.58 L) |
Fuel tank capacity | 0.48 gal (1.8 L) |
Cooling system | Forced air |
Ignition system | Transistorized magneto |
PTO shaft rotation | Counterclockwise |
Tuneup Specifications
ITEM | SPECIFICATION | MAINTENANCE |
Spark plug gap | 0.028 ~ 0.031 in (0.7 ~ 0.8 mm) | Refer to "SPARK PLUG" |
Valve clearance (cold) | IN: 0.15 ± 0.04 mm EX: 0.20 ± 0.04 mm | See your authorized Honda dealer |
Other specifications | No other adjustments needed. |
Quick Reference Information
ITEM | DESCRIPTION | |
Fuel | Type | Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. |
Engine Oil | Type | SAE 10W-30, API SJ or later, for general use. Refer to "ENGINE OIL". |
Carburetor | Idle Speed | 1,400 ± 150 rpm |
Spark plug | Type | BPR6ES (NGK) |
Maintenance | Before each use | Check engine oil level. Refer to "ENGINE OIL". Check air filter. Refer to "AIR CLEANER". |
First 5 hours | Change engine oil. Refer to "ENGINE OIL". | |
Subsequent | Refer to the maintenance schedule. |
GC ENGINE POWERED PRODUCTS
When properly maintained, your Honda powered product should provide years of trouble-free operation. This includes the fuel system. However, gasoline can quickly deteriorate (in as little as 30 days) causing starting or running problems and, in some cases, damage to the fuel system. Most fuel-related problems can be avoided by following the precautions listed below. Fuel system damage and engine performance problems resulting from deteriorated gasoline are not covered by the DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED WARRANTY.
Follow These Precautions to Prevent Most Fuel-Related Problems
During the Operating Season | Reason | |
Do not use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol (E10). Not all automotive gasoline is safe to use in your power product. | Higher levels of ethanol in gasoline attract water, and can corrode or damage the fuel system and cause performance problems. | |
Store gasoline in a clean, plastic, sealed container approved for fuel storage. Store your fuel supply container away from direct sunlight; if the container has a vent, keep it closed. | A plastic container eliminates the risk of rust and metallic contaminants from a metal container entering the fuel system. Gasoline will deteriorate faster when exposed to air and sunlight. | |
Purchase only enough gasoline to last for 1 to 2 months (about 30 to 60 days). If you purchase enough gasoline to last for more than 60 days, add a fuel stabilizer to your storage container when you fill it. | Gasoline deteriorates with age so try to avoid storing it for long periods, especially in summer heat. Fuel stabilizer will extend the shelf life of gasoline, but it will not reconstitute stale fuel. | |
Keep your product's fuel tank full of fresh fuel when not in use. | If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration. | |
Keep the air filter clean and properly serviced. Check it before each use. | A properly maintained air filter will help prevent dirt from entering the carburetor. The small passages inside the carburetor can become blocked. | |
1 to 3 Months Before Next Use | Reason | |
If you did not add fuel stabilizer to your fuel storage container when you filled it up, fill your product's fuel tank with fresh gasoline. | If the fuel tank is only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration. | |
Add fuel stabilizer to the product's fuel tank according to the stabilizer manufacturer's instructions. | Fuel stabilizer will extend the life of gasoline, but it will not reconstitute stale gasoline. | |
Run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes. | This makes sure treated gasoline has replaced untreated gasoline throughout the fuel system. | |
More Than 3 Months Before Next Use | Reason | |
Use a siphon pump (commercially available) and siphon the fuel out of the fuel tank into an approved gasoline container and then drain the carburetor.![]() Do not allow gasoline to remain in your product's fuel tank for more than 3 months (about 90 days) of inactivity. | All fuel stabilizers have a shelf life. It is good practice to empty the fuel system for long term inactivity. |
DISTRIBUTOR/DEALER LOCATOR INFORMATION
United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands:
Visit our website: www.engines.honda.com
Canada:
Call (888) 9HONDA9 [888 946-6329] or visit our website: www.honda.ca
CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION
Servicing dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should be able to answer any question you may have. If you encounter a problem that your dealer does not solve to your satisfaction, please discuss it with the dealership's management. The Service Manager, General Manager, or Owner can help. Almost all problems are solved in this way.
If you are dissatisfied with the decision made by the dealership's management, contact the Honda Regional Engine Distributor for your area. You can find their name, address, and phone number using the dealer/distributor locator on our website at www.engines.honda.com
If you are still dissatisfied after speaking with the Regional Engine Distributor, you may contact the Honda Office as shown below.
Honda's Office
When you write or call, please provide this information:
United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Power Equipment Division
Customer Relations Dept.
4900 Marconi Drive
Alpharetta, GA 30005-8847
Or telephone: (770) 497-6400, 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET
Canada:
Honda Canada, Inc.
180 Honda Blvd, Markham, ON L6C 0H9
or visit: www.honda.ca
Telephone:
(888) 9HONDA9 Toll free
(888) 946-6329
Facsimile: (877) 939-0909 Toll free
SAFETY LABEL LOCATION
The label contains important safety information. Please read it carefully.
This label is considered a permanent part of your engine. So if the label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your dealer for a replacement.
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
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