Home›Engines›Honda GX120K1

Honda GX120K1 Engine

The Honda GX120K1 is a 0.12 L engine rated at 3600 rpm. It powers generator sets from Honda, including the EG1400X. It holds 0.6 L (0.2 gal) of oil.

Also known as: HONDA GX120K1

0.118 L
Displacement
3600 rpm
Rated speed
0.6 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity0.6 L
Displacement0.118 L
Rated speed3600 rpm

Generator sets powered by this engine

1
Honda EG1400X

How to read your Honda engine serial & model number →

Common problems

8
  • Undesirable operating symptoms
    Cause: Use of an oxygenated fuel
    Fix: Switch to conventional unleaded gasoline
  • Starter grip snapping back against engine -1
    Fix: Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter or housing
  • Rapid engine wear
    Cause: Running generator without air cleaner
  • Generator produces less than rated output
    Cause: Engine oil level is low, fuel filter is clogged, spark plug is dirty or worn out.
    Fix: Check and add engine oil if necessary; clean or replace the fuel filter; replace the spark plug.
  • Engine will smoke during initial start-up if too much oil is left in the foam element
    Fix: Soak the element in clean engine oil, and squeeze out the excess oil
  • Engine may be hard to start if a load is connected
    Fix: Make sure the AC circuit breaker is in the OFF position
  • Engine does not start
    Cause: Circuit Breaker is tripped or DC Circuit Protector has opened the circuit.
    Fix: Reset the Circuit Breaker or replace the DC Circuit Protector.
  • Damage caused by spilled fuel -1

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Honda GX120K1.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterWash in household detergent and warm water then rinse; soak in clean engine oil and squeeze out excess oil—50 hr
Fuel filterClean the sediment cup and O-ring in nonflammable or high flash point solvent—100 hr
OilHonda 4-stroke oil or equivalent high detergent, premium quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturer's requirements for API Service Classification SG, SF/CC, CD; SAE 10W-30 recommended for general all-temperature use0.6 L—
Spark plugGap 0.70-0.80 mm (0.028-0.031 in)—100 hr

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

Service intervals

8
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Engine oilChange100 hr6 moFirst service — First month or 20 Hrs, whichever comes first
Air cleanerClean50 hr3 moEvery 3 months or 50 Hrs; service more frequently when used in dusty areas
Sediment cupClean100 hr6 moEvery 6 months or 100 Hrs
Spark arresterClean100 hrMust be serviced every 100 hours to maintain efficiency
Spark plugClean100 hr6 moCheck-Clean every 6 months or 100 Hrs
Fuel tank and strainerClean300 hr12 moEvery year or 300 Hrs; should be serviced by an authorized Honda generator dealer
Valve clearanceAdjust300 hr12 moCheck-Adjust every year or 300 Hrs; should be serviced by an authorized Honda generator dealer unless owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient
Fuel lineCheck24 moEvery 2 years; replace if necessary

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

4
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
GapSpark plug gap0.70-0.80mm (0.028-0.031 in)
OtherCompression ratio8.5:1
OtherSpark plug tighteningnew: 1/2 turn after seat; reused: 1/8 - 1/4 turn after seatafter spark plug seats
SpeedEngine speed3600rpm

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-30 (other viscosities per ambient temperature chart)API Service Classification SG, SF/CC, CD; Honda 4-stroke oil or equivalent high detergent premium quality motor oil0.6 LNon-detergent and 2-stroke engine oils will damage the engine and are not recommended
FuelGasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher; unleaded recommendedUp to 10% ethanol, up to 15% MTBE, up to 5% methanol (with cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors)2.7 LFuel tank capacity EG1400X: 2.7 L (0.71 US gal); EG2500X: 3.7 L (0.98 US gal)

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

Procedures

11
Air Cleaner Service maintenance

⚠ Using gasoline or flammable solvent to clean the filter element can cause a fire or explosion. Use only soapy water or nonflammable solvent.

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

  1. Remove the wing nut and air cleaner cover. Remove the elements and separate them.
  2. Carefully check both elements for holes or tears and replace if damaged.
  3. Foam element: wash in household detergent and warm water, then rinse thoroughly. Allow to dry.
  4. Soak the foam element in clean engine oil and squeeze out the excess oil.
  5. Paper element: tap lightly several times on a hard surface to remove excess dirt.
  6. Or blow compressed air through the filter from the inside out. Never brush the dirt off.
  7. Replace the paper element if it is excessively dirty.
Engine Oil Change maintenance

⚠ Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for prolonged periods.

Tools: 10 x 12 mm wrench

  1. Drain the oil while the engine is warm to assure rapid and complete draining.
  2. Remove the drain plug and sealing washer, oil filler cap, and drain the oil.
  3. Reinstall the drain plug and sealing washer. Tighten the plug securely.
  4. Refill with recommended oil and check the oil level.
Fuel Sediment Cup Cleaning maintenance
  1. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. Remove the sediment cup and O-ring.
  2. Clean the sediment cup and O-ring in nonflammable or high flash point solvent.
  3. Reinstall the O-ring and sediment cup.
  4. Turn the fuel valve ON and check for leaks.
Spark Arrester Maintenance maintenance

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

Tools: Brush

  1. Loosen two 8 mm nuts and 6 mm bolt to remove the muffler assembly.
  2. Loosen four 5 mm screws and remove the muffler protector from the muffler.
  3. Loosen 4 mm screw and remove the spark arrester from the muffler.
  4. Use a brush to remove carbon deposits from the spark arrester screen. Inspect for breaks or tears.
  5. Install the spark arrester and muffler in reverse order of disassembly.
Spark Plug Service maintenance

⚠ If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Be careful not to touch the muffler.

⚠ An improperly tightened spark plug can become very hot and could damage the engine.

Tools: Spark plug wrench, Feeler gauge, Wire brush

  1. Remove the spark plug cap.
  2. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base.
  3. Use the wrench supplied in the tool kit to remove the spark plug.
  4. Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard it if the insulator is cracked or chipped.
  5. Clean the spark plug with a wire brush if it is to be reused.
  6. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge; adjust by carefully bending the side electrode.
  7. Thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading.
  8. If installing new, tighten 1/2 turn after seating; if reusing, tighten 1/8 - 1/4 turn after seating.
Storage Procedure maintenance

⚠ Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions. Perform this task in a well ventilated area with the engine stopped.

  1. Drain the carburetor by loosening the drain screw. Drain the gasoline into a suitable container.
  2. Change the engine oil.
  3. Remove the spark plug and pour about a tablespoon of clean engine oil into the cylinder.
  4. Crank the engine several revolutions to distribute the oil, then reinstall the spark plug.
  5. Slowly pull the starter grip until resistance is felt, leaving the engine on its compression stroke.
AC Operation operation

⚠ Most motorized appliances require more than their rated wattage for startup.

⚠ Do not exceed the current limit specified for any one receptacle.

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Switch ON the AC circuit breaker.
  3. Plug in the appliance.
Connecting the Battery Cables (DC Operation) operation

⚠ The battery gives off explosive gases; keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away. Provide adequate ventilation.

⚠ Do not start the vehicle while the battery charging cables are connected and the generator is running.

  1. Before connecting charging cables to a battery installed in a vehicle, disconnect the vehicle's grounded battery cable.
  2. Connect the positive (+) battery cable to the battery positive (+) terminal.
  3. Connect the other end of the positive (+) cable to the generator positive (+) terminal.
  4. Connect the negative (-) battery cable to the battery negative (-) terminal.
  5. Connect the other end of the negative (-) cable to the generator negative (-) terminal.
  6. Start the generator.
Disconnecting the Battery Cables operation
  1. Stop the engine.
  2. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the generator negative (-) terminal.
  3. Disconnect the other end of the negative (-) cable from the battery negative (-) terminal.
  4. Disconnect the positive (+) battery cable from the generator positive (+) terminal.
  5. Disconnect the other end of the positive (+) cable from the battery positive (+) terminal.
  6. Reconnect the vehicle grounded battery cable.
Starting the Engine operation

⚠ Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter or housing.

  1. Make sure that the AC circuit breaker is in the OFF position.
  2. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.
  3. Turn the choke lever to the CLOSE position.
  4. Turn the engine switch to the ON position.
  5. Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, then pull briskly.
  6. As the engine warms up, slowly turn the choke lever to the OPEN position.
Stopping the Engine operation

⚠ In an emergency, turn the engine switch to the OFF position.

  1. Turn the AC circuit breaker to the OFF position. Disconnect DC battery charging cables.
  2. Turn the engine switch to the OFF position.
  3. Turn the fuel valve 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.

Aftermarket parts that fit this engine

9

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 GX120K1?

The Honda GX120K1 engine has an oil capacity of 0.6 liters.

What is the displacement of the Honda GX120K1?

The Honda GX120K1 has a displacement of 0.118 liters.

Which generators use the Honda GX120K1 engine?

The Honda GX120K1 powers 1 generator set(s), including Honda EG1400X.

What is a common problem with the Honda GX120K1 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Honda GX120K1 is: Undesirable operating symptoms. Cause: Use of an oxygenated fuel. Fix: Switch to conventional unleaded gasoline.