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Honda GE400 Engine

The Honda GE400 is an engine rated at 3600 rpm. It powers generator sets from Honda, including the EB4000. It holds 1.2 L (0.3 gal) of oil.

Also known as: Honda GE400

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 GE400.

Service intervals

20
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Air cleanerClean50 hr3 moService more frequently when used in dusty areas (1)
Sediment cupClean100 hr6 moPage 58
Spark arresterClean100 hrEvery 100 hours (page 57)
Spark plugAdjust100 hr6 moCheck-adjust (page 55)
Fuel tank and filterClean300 hr12 mo(2)
Spark plugReplace300 hr12 moEvery year or 300 Hrs
Valve clearanceAdjust300 hr12 moCheck-adjust (2) dealer service
Combustion chamberClean1000 hrAfter every 1,000 hrs
Air cleaner elementClean6 mo(1) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas
Air cleaner elementInspect3 mo
CanisterCheck24 moEvery 2 years (2)
Charge tubeCheck24 moEvery 2 years (2)
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 oilChange300 hr12 moFirst service — Second mark in the Engine oil Change row (year column)
Fuel filterClean6 mo'Fuel filter cleaning' row
Fuel lineInspect12 moReplace if necessary
Fuel tubeCheck24 moEvery 2 years (replace if necessary) (2)
GeneratorInspect3 mo'Inspection' row of the Regular Service maintenance schedule
Purge tubeCheck24 moEvery 2 years (2)
Spark plugCheck6 mo'Spark plug maintenance' row

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

55
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceFloat height13.2mm
GapIgnition coil air gap0.2 – 0.6mm
GapSpark plug electrode gap0.028–0.031 in (0.7–0.8 mm)mm
GapSpark plug gap0.6-0.7mm
GapSpark plug gap0.70 – 0.80mm
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
PressureCylinder compression1.29MPaat 1,400 min-1 (rpm)
PressureCylinder compression1.31MPaat 1,400 min-1 (rpm)
ResistanceCT sensor resistance18 ±2Ω
ResistanceSpark plug cap resistance7.5 – 12.5kΩ
SpeedAuto Throttle idle speed2,300 ± 100min-1 (rpm)
SpeedEngine speed3,600rpm
SpeedEngine speed protection limit (DAVR self-diagnosis)4140rpmabnormal voltage/speed sustained longer than 3 seconds
SpeedMaximum engine speed3,600 ± 100min-1 (rpm)
TorqueAir cleaner case bolt5.4N·m
TorqueCarburetor mount nut8.5N·m
TorqueConnecting rod special bolt14N·m
TorqueControl panel mount bolt27N·m
TorqueCrankcase cover bolt24N·m
TorqueCylinder head bolt35N·m
TorqueEngine mount nut34N·m
TorqueExhaust pipe nut24N·m
TorqueFan cover stud bolt23N·m
TorqueFan cover stud bolt mounting nut40N·m
TorqueFlywheel special nut128N·m
TorqueFlywheel special nut170N·m
TorqueFront housing bolt24N·m
TorqueFuel meter screw4N·m
TorqueFuel valve nut23N·m
TorqueGenerator cooling fan screw4.8N·m
TorqueHandle installation17–22 lbf·ft (24–29 N·m, 2.4–3.0 kgf·m)N·m
TorqueHanger kit installation17–22 lbf·ft (24–29 N·m, 2.4–3.0 kgf·m)N·m
TorqueOil drain bolt22.5N·m
TorqueOil drain plug (12×15 mm)16.6 lbf·ft (22.5 N·m, 2.25 kgf·m)N·m
TorqueRear housing cover bolt9.8N·m
TorqueRocker arm pivot adjusting nut10N·m
TorqueRocker arm pivot special bolt24N·m
TorqueRotor bolt44N·m
TorqueRubber mount nut24N·m
TorqueSpark plug13.3 lbf·ft (18 N·m, 1.8 kgf·m)N·m
TorqueSpark plug18N·m
TorqueWheel kit installation17–22 lbf·ft (24–29 N·m, 2.4–3.0 kgf·m)N·m
Valve clearanceValve clearance EX0.20 ± 0.02mm
Valve clearanceValve clearance EX0.20±0.02 mmmmcold
Valve clearanceValve clearance IN0.15 ± 0.02mm
Valve clearanceValve clearance IN0.15±0.02 mmmmcold
VoltageVoltage regulation stability (DAVR)within 1%standard operation

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-30API service classification SJ or later1.1 LRecommended oil
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.
FuelRegular unleaded gasolinepump octane rating 86 or higher
FuelRegular unleaded gasoline, pump octane rating 86 or higherNo more than 10% ethanol (E10) or 5% methanol by volume; methanol must contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors23.5 LFuel tank capacity 6.21 US gal (23.5 L)
GreaseMarine greasewater resistant urea based grease
GreaseMulti-purpose greaseNLGI #2 or equivalentLithium based multi-purpose grease
OtherAutomatic transmission fluidATF

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

Procedures

12
GFCI Operation Check (System ①) diagnostic

⚠ A faulty GFCI system will not provide proper protection against electric shock.

⚠ If the GFCI system fails the test, the generator must be repaired by an authorized Honda servicing dealer before use.

  1. Unplug all tools and appliances from the generator.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Turn OFF the Auto Throttle switch.
  4. Turn the AC circuit breaker to the ON position.
  5. Press the TEST button: the RESET button should pop out and the AC circuit breaker should switch to OFF.
  6. Press the RESET button: it should stay in, flush with its base plate.
  7. With the RESET button in and the engine running, turn the AC circuit breaker to ON; it should remain ON.
GFCI Operation Check (System ②) diagnostic

⚠ If the red indicator starts to blink continuously, contact an authorized Honda generator dealer.

  1. Unplug all tools and appliances from the generator.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Turn OFF the Auto Throttle switch.
  4. Turn the AC circuit breaker to the ON position; the green indicator should light continuously.
  5. Press the TEST button: the RESET button will pop out and the green indicator will go off.
  6. Press the RESET button: the green indicator will light continuously.
Handle Installation installation

⚠ Pressing down on the handles may damage the handle holder assembly; only pull up to move the generator.

Tools: 12 mm wrench (2), pliers

  1. Install the handle holder assembly on the generator upper frame using the 8×18 mm flange bolts.
  2. Install the handle assembly on the upper frame pipe using the 8×16 mm flange bolts, handle bush A, handle bush B, and handle lower bracket.
  3. Check that the handle folds smoothly and does not hang down by its own weight.
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.
Wheel Kit Installation installation

Tools: 12 mm wrench (2), pliers

  1. Install the two stands on the under frame using four 8×16 mm flange bolts.
  2. Install the two wheels on the axle shaft using the washers and split pins; bend the pins.
  3. Install the axle assembly on the generator using four 8×16 mm flange bolts and 8 mm flange nuts.
Air Cleaner Check/Cleaning maintenance

⚠ Excess oil will restrict air flow and may cause engine to smoke at startup.

⚠ Operating without element or loose element allows dirt to enter engine.

  1. Remove air cleaner case lid springs and unhook tabs.
  2. Remove air cleaner cover and element.
  3. Check element and replace if damaged.
  4. Clean element in warm soapy water or non-flammable solvent, dry thoroughly.
  5. Dip filter in clean engine oil, squeeze out excess oil.
  6. Install air cleaner in reverse order of removal.
Air Cleaner Element Cleaning maintenance

⚠ Do not twist the foam filter when squeezing.

⚠ Prevent dirt from entering the air duct that leads to the carburetor.

  1. Clean the foam air filter in warm soapy water, rinse, and allow to dry thoroughly, or clean in non-flammable solvent and dry.
  2. Dip the foam air filter in clean engine oil, then squeeze out all excess oil.
  3. Wipe dirt from the air cleaner housing and cover using a moist rag.
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.
Battery Charging maintenance

⚠ Battery gives off explosive gases; keep sparks, flames, and cigarettes away.

⚠ Battery contains sulfuric acid; contact with skin or eyes may cause severe burns.

Tools: Digital multimeter, Battery charger

  1. Turn combination switch OFF.
  2. Remove battery.
  3. Check battery for damage.
  4. Leave battery for 30 minutes.
  5. Measure battery voltage with digital multimeter.
  6. If below 12.4 V, charge battery.
  7. Connect charger positive to positive, negative to negative.
  8. Leave for 30 minutes.
  9. Measure voltage; if below 12.7 V, charge.
  10. If still below 12.7 V, replace battery.
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.
Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor maintenance

⚠ Handle fuel only outdoors; keep heat, sparks, and flame away.

Tools: funnel, suitable gasoline container

  1. Turn the fuel valve lever to the OFF position.
  2. Place a suitable gasoline container below the carburetor and use a funnel.
  3. Loosen the carburetor drain screw and drain the gasoline from the carburetor.
  4. After draining, tighten the carburetor drain screw securely.
  5. Place a container below the sediment cup.
  6. Remove the sediment cup, then turn the fuel valve lever to ON and drain the fuel tank.
  7. Install the sediment cup and a new O-ring.
  8. Turn the fuel valve lever to the OFF position.

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 GE400?

The Honda GE400 engine has an oil capacity of 1.2 liters.

Which generators use the Honda GE400 engine?

The Honda GE400 powers 1 generator set(s), including Honda EB4000.

What is a common problem with the Honda GE400 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Honda GE400 is: No electricity at the AC receptacles. Cause: Is the AC circuit breaker on? Check the electrical appliance or equipment for any defects..