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Home›Engines›Honda GX160

Honda GX160 Engine

The Honda GX160 is a 0.16 L 1-cylinder o.h.v. engine rated at 3000 rpm, producing up to 3.6 kW. It powers generator sets from Honda, Pramac and SDMO, including the EU2000i, EU3000i Handi, E3200 and HP 2.26 H. It holds 0.6 L (0.2 gal) of oil.

Also known as: HONDA GX160, GX160

0.163 L
Displacement
1
Cylinders
3000 rpm
Rated speed
3 kW
Gross power
On this pageSpecsGenerator setsMaintenanceFAQFluidsProcedures

Engine specifications

Oil capacity0.6 L
Displacement0.163 L
Cylinders1
AspirationO.H.V.
Rated speed3000 rpm
Gross power3 kW

Generator sets powered by this engine

6

Shared across brands: Honda, Pramac, SDMO

Honda EU2000iHonda EU3000i HandiPramac E3200SDMO HP 2.26 HSDMO ST 3.60 HSDMO TR 3.60 H

How to read your Honda engine serial & model number →

Common problems

4
  • The engine will not start because there is no spark.
    Cause: The engine stop switch may have collected dust or debris that prevents the switch from working properly. In rare cases, the engine may not stop when the engine stop switch is in the OFF position. The engine will continue to run until the carburetor runs out of fuel.
    Fix: Troubleshoot the engine stop switch starting on the page shown for your model. If troubleshooting confirms the engine stop switch is good, use the appropriate shop manual to test the ignition and Oil Alert® systems. If troubleshooting confirms the engine stop switch is bad, install a new engine stop switch.
  • Spilled fuel is not only a fire hazard, it causes environmental damage.
    Fix: Wipe up spills immediately.
  • Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging can cause engine damage.
    Cause: Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging is misuse.
    Fix: If spark knock or pinging occurs at a steady engine speed, under normal load, change brands of gasoline. If spark knock or pinging persists, see an authorized Honda generator dealer.
  • No Spark
    Fix: Troubleshoot the Ignition and Oil Alert Systems following the shop manual procedures.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Honda GX160.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterPaper type—100 hr
OilSAE 10W-30—
Spark plugStandard NGK plug—50 hr

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

Recommended fluids

FluidGradeStandardAmbientCapacityNotes
Engine oilSAE 15W40Sold by SDMO in 0.5 L (RBH0,5) and 1 L (RBH1) bottles

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

Procedures

2
Troubleshooting Procedure - EU1000i diagnostic

⚠ Do not over-torque.

  1. Turn engine stop switch to ON. With generator on level surface, pull starter grip and check Oil Alert indicator.
  2. If Oil Alert flashes, add oil to upper limit; if still flashing proceed to step 6.
  3. Remove the maintenance cover.
  4. Drain the fuel tank and carburetor float bowl into an approved container.
  5. Remove the spark plug and pull starter grip several times to remove unburned fuel.
  6. Insert a new spark plug in the spark plug cap and check for spark; spark means the problem was the spark plug.
  7. Remove the two 5 x 20 mm screws, four front cover screws, and the front cover.
  8. Pull the control panel away and disconnect the yellow oil level switch wire; recheck for spark.
  9. Spark means the problem is the oil level switch; replace it following the shop manual procedure.
  10. Remove the four 5 x 16 mm washer screws and the muffler protector.
  11. Remove fuel cap, lift neck seal and remove 10 mm circlip, two 6 x 100 mm screws and washers, two 6 x 20 mm screw-washers, 5 x 10 mm screw-washer.
  12. Lay the unit flat on its right side cover on a protective pad and separate the left side cover.
  13. Remove the fuel tube and diaphragm tube from the fuel pump.
  14. Disconnect the engine stop switch 2-pin connector and check for spark.
  15. Remove the two 3 x 16 mm self-tapping screws and the engine stop switch; install new switch and harness band, tighten screws securely.
Troubleshooting Procedure - EU2000i diagnostic

⚠ Do not over-torque.

Tools: Hose pinching pliers, SUN-HCP6, Load bank test set

  1. Turn engine stop switch to ON. With generator on level surface, pull starter grip and verify Oil Alert indicator is not flashing.
  2. If flushing, add oil to upper limit; if still flashing, troubleshoot the Oil Alert system per shop manual.
  3. Remove the maintenance cover.
  4. Pinch the carburetor inlet fuel line using hose pinching pliers and drain the carburetor float bowl.
  5. Remove the spark plug and pull starter grip several times to remove unburned fuel.
  6. Insert a new spark plug in the spark plug cap and check for spark; spark means the problem was the spark plug.
  7. Locate the engine stop switch 2-pin connector (black and green wires), disconnect it, and check for spark.
  8. From the maintenance cover opening disconnect Eco-Throttle 2-pin, ignition control module 8-pin, inverter 6-pin, and engine harness 6-pin connectors.
  9. Remove the four 6 x 15 mm special screws and slide the front cover away from the generator.
  10. Remove the 3 x 16 mm and 3 x 12 mm self-tapping screws and the engine stop switch; discard the switch and harness band.
  11. Install the new engine stop switch and harness band; tighten the 3 x 12 mm and 3 x 16 mm screws securely. Do not over-torque.
  12. Reassemble the generator.
  13. Add fuel and start the engine; test the generator by performing the load bank test.

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

Aftermarket parts that fit this engine

32
22201-822-610 FridayParts $30.99 KuduParts $33.00 5056020112822 FridayParts $164.44 KuduParts $199.00 20mm FridayParts $13.29 18330-ZE2-W61 FridayParts $43.36 17672-ZE2-W01 Amazon eBay $12.95 FridayParts $11.00 17510-24H-000ZA KuduParts $44.00 FridayParts $54.23 28400-Z4M-306ZB FridayParts $13.42 27400-Z1T-702 FridayParts $13.42 BL4LTON-000377 FridayParts $13.42 16010-ZE2-812 FridayParts $12.99 951-11589 FridayParts $22.88 17620-Z4H-030 KuduParts $20.00 FridayParts $22.01 17620-Z4H-900 Amazon eBay $50.00 FridayParts $22.01 ASU000631A KuduParts $184.00 FridayParts $195.00 751-11589 FridayParts $11.26 KuduParts $35.00 16010-ZE1-811 FridayParts $11.26 KuduParts $35.00 23A-1AXA711 FridayParts $11.26 16100-Z0T-911 FridayParts $32.89 19511-ZE1-000 FridayParts $14.87 224cc FridayParts $73.80 225cc FridayParts $73.80 CT200U KuduParts $6.00 FridayParts $7.99 BT200X KuduParts $6.00 FridayParts $7.99 CT200U-EX KuduParts $6.00 FridayParts $7.99 35100-ZE1-812 FridayParts $84.60 31210-ZE1-023 FridayParts $41.99 31210ZE1723 FridayParts $41.99 30500-ZE1-063 FridayParts $12.99 28400-ZDK-003 FridayParts $35.40 WL20 FridayParts $35.40 WL30 FridayParts $35.40 ASU000631 FridayParts $151.99 KuduParts $180.00

Parts listed by aftermarket suppliers as fitting this engine — leads compiled from supplier catalogs; verify the exact part for your serial number.

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Honda GX160?

The Honda GX160 engine has an oil capacity of 0.6 liters.

What is the displacement of the Honda GX160?

The Honda GX160 has a displacement of 0.163 liters with 1 cylinders.

Which generators use the Honda GX160 engine?

The Honda GX160 powers 6 generator set(s), including Honda EU2000i, Honda EU3000i Handi, Pramac E3200, SDMO HP 2.26 H, SDMO ST 3.60 H.

What is a common problem with the Honda GX160 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Honda GX160 is: The engine will not start because there is no spark.. Cause: The engine stop switch may have collected dust or debris that prevents the switch from working properly. In rare cases, the engine may not stop when the engine stop switch is in the OFF position. The engine will continue to run until the carburetor runs out of fuel.. Fix: Troubleshoot the engine stop switch starting on the page shown for your model. If troubleshooting confirms the engine stop switch is good, use the appropriate shop manual to test the ignition and Oil Alert® systems. If troubleshooting confirms the engine stop switch is bad, install a new engine stop switch..