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Honda GE300 Engine

The Honda GE300 is an engine rated at 3600 rpm. It powers generator sets from Honda, including the EB3000. It holds 1.2 L (0.3 gal) of oil.

Also known as: Honda GE300

3600 rpm
Rated speed
1.2 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity1.2 L
Rated speed3600 rpm

Common problems

3
  • No electricity at the AC receptacles
    Cause: Is the AC circuit breaker on? Check the electrical appliance or equipment for any defects.
  • Engine will not start
    Cause: Is there enough fuel? Is the fuel valve on? Is gasoline reaching the carburetor? Is there enough oil in the crankcase? Is the AC circuit breaker off and nothing connected to the DC terminals? Is the engine switch on? Is there a spark at the spark plug (page 27)?
    Fix: Remove the spark plug cover and cap. Clean any dirt form around the spark plug base, then remove the spark plug. Install the spark plug in the plug cap. Turn the engine switch on. Grounding the side electrode to the stay, pull the recoil starter to see if sparks jump across the gap. If there are no sparks, replace the plug. If OK, try to start the engine according to the instructions.
  • Engine starts but stops immediately
    Cause: Is there enough oil in the crankcase?

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Honda GE300.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterWash the element in a non-flammable or high flash point solvent and dry it thoroughly; soak in clean engine oil and squeeze out the excess oil—
Fuel filterClean the filter cup thoroughly; reassemble without damaging the rubber gasket—
OilHonda 4-stroke oil or equivalent high detergent, premium quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturer's requirements for Service Classification SE or SF; SAE 10W-40 recommended for general, all-temperature use1.2 L—
Spark plugBR4HS (NGK) / W14FSR-U (ND); plug gap 0.6-0.7 mm (0.024-0.028 in)—

Pooled from every document that names this exact engine — confirm the interval and part number against your unit's serial number.

Service intervals

10
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Spark arresterClean100 hrClean every 100 operating hours to maintain its efficiency
Air cleaner elementClean6 mo(1) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas
Air cleaner elementInspect3 mo
Combustion chamber and valveClean12 mo(2) Should be serviced by an authorized Honda dealer unless the owner has the proper tools and is mechanically proficient
Engine oilChange12 moSecond mark in the Engine oil Change row (year column)
Fuel filterClean6 mo'Fuel filter cleaning' row
Fuel lineInspect12 moReplace if necessary
GeneratorInspect3 mo'Inspection' row of the Regular Service maintenance schedule
Spark plugCheck6 mo'Spark plug maintenance' row
Valve clearanceAdjust12 mo(2) Should be serviced by an authorized Honda dealer unless the owner has the proper tools and is mechanically proficient; see the Honda Shop Manual

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Service specifications

11
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
GapSpark plug gap0.6-0.7mm
OtherBore x Stroke76 x 60mm
OtherBore x Stroke86 x 70mm
OtherCompression ratio6.5 : 1
OtherCompression ratio6.8 : 1
OtherDisplacement272cm3
OtherDisplacement406cm3
OtherEngine oil capacity1.2L
OtherSpark plug tightening (new plug)1/2turnwith the wrench, to compress the washer
OtherSpark plug tightening (reused plug)1/8-1/4turnafter the plug seats
SpeedEngine speed3,600rpm

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Recommended fluids

FluidGradeStandardAmbientCapacityNotes
Engine oilSAE 10W-40API Service Classification SE or SF1.2 LHonda 4-stroke oil or equivalent high detergent, premium quality motor oil. Non-detergent or vegetable oils are not recommended. SAE 10W-40 recommended for general, all-temperature use; if single viscosity oil is used, select the appropriate viscosity for the average temperature in your area.
FuelAutomotive gasoline, research octane 91 or higher or pump octane 86 or higher16.5 LNever use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Avoid dirt, dust or water in the fuel tank. Gasoline substitutes are not recommended.

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Procedures

10
Hanger kit installation installation
  1. Be sure to set the hanger at the position as illustrated.
  2. Secure the hanger with the 6 mm bolt.
Air cleaner service maintenance

⚠ Never use gasoline or low flash point solvents for cleaning the air cleaner element. A fire or explosion could result.

⚠ Never run the generator without the air cleaner. Rapid engine wear may result.

  1. Unsnap the clips, remove the air cleaner cover and remove the element.
  2. Wash the element in a non-flammable or high flash point solvent and dry it thoroughly.
  3. Soak the element in clean engine oil and squeeze out the excess oil.
  4. Reinstall the air cleaner element and the cover.
Changing oil maintenance
  1. Drain the oil while the engine is still warm to assure rapid and complete draining.
  2. Remove the drain plug and filler cap, and drain the oil. Retighten the plug securely.
  3. Refill with the recommended oil and check the level.
Draining fuel for storage maintenance

⚠ Keep the generator level to prevent fuel spillage when transporting. Fuel vapor or spilled fuel may ignite.

  1. With the fuel valve OFF, remove and empty the filter cup.
  2. Turn the fuel valve ON and drain the gasoline in the fuel tank into a suitable container.
  3. Replace the filter cup and tighten securely.
  4. Drain the carburetor by loosening the drain screw; drain the gasoline into a suitable container.
  5. Pull the starter grip until resistance is felt (piston on its compression stroke) to close the exhaust and intake valves.
Fuel filter service maintenance

⚠ After installing the filter cup, check for fuel leaks and make sure the area is dry before starting the engine.

  1. Turn the fuel valve OFF. Remove the filter cup.
  2. Clean the cup thoroughly.
  3. Reassemble. Do not damage the rubber gasket.
Pre-operation check maintenance

⚠ Be sure to check the generator on a level surface with the engine stopped.

⚠ Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage.

⚠ Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks where the generator is refueled or where gasoline is stored.

  1. Check the engine oil level with the generator on a level surface and the engine stopped.
  2. Remove the oil filler cap and check the oil level; fill to the top of the oil filler neck with recommended oil if low.
  3. Check the fuel level; use automotive gasoline with a research octane of 91 or higher or a pump octane of 86 or higher.
  4. Make sure the AC circuit breakers are OFF.
  5. Make sure the fuel tank cap is securely closed after refueling.
Spark arrester maintenance maintenance

⚠ If the generator has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Allow it to cool before proceeding.

Tools: 8 mm bolts wrench

  1. Loosen the bolts and nuts and remove the muffler.
  2. Loosen two 8 mm bolts to remove the exhaust pipe.
  3. Check the muffler exhaust port for carbon deposits; clean if necessary.
  4. Remove the spark arrester from the muffler. Clean the screen and inspect it for damage. Replace if necessary.
  5. Install the spark arrester in the muffler. Install the muffler and gasket and tighten the bolts and nuts securely.
Spark plug service maintenance

⚠ The spark plug must be securely tightened. An improperly tightened plug can become very hot and possibly damage the generator.

⚠ Never use a spark plug with an improper heat range.

Tools: plug wrench (tool kit), feeler gauge

  1. Remove the spark plug cover.
  2. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base.
  3. Remove the spark plug cap.
  4. Use the wrench supplied in the tool kit to remove the spark plug.
  5. Visually inspect the spark plug; discard it if the insulator is cracked or chipped.
  6. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge; the gap should be 0.6-0.7 mm. Correct by bending the side electrode.
  7. Thread the plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading.
  8. Tighten a new spark plug 1/2 turn with the wrench to compress the washer; if reusing a plug, 1/8-1/4 turn after it seats.
Starting the engine operation

⚠ Do not allow the starter grip to snap back. Return it slowly by hand.

  1. Turn the fuel valve on.
  2. Pull the choke rod to CLOSE.
  3. Make sure the auto-throttle switch is off (or more time will be required for warm up).
  4. Turn the engine switch on.
  5. Pull the starter grip until compression is felt, then pull briskly.
  6. Push the choke rod to OPEN as the engine warms up.
  7. If auto-throttle will be used, turn the switch to AUTO after the engine has warmed up.
Stopping the engine operation

⚠ To stop the engine in an emergency, turn the engine switch OFF.

  1. Turn the AC circuit breakers OFF.
  2. Turn the engine switch OFF.
  3. Turn the fuel valve OFF.

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Honda GE300?

The Honda GE300 engine has an oil capacity of 1.2 liters.

Which generators use the Honda GE300 engine?

The Honda GE300 powers 1 generator set(s), including Honda EB3000.

What is a common problem with the Honda GE300 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Honda GE300 is: No electricity at the AC receptacles. Cause: Is the AC circuit breaker on? Check the electrical appliance or equipment for any defects..