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Honda GX240 Engine

The Honda GX240 is a 0.24 L 1-cylinder natural engine rated at 3600 rpm. It powers generator sets from Honda, including the EG3500X and EM3800SX. It holds 1.1 L (0.3 gal) of oil.

Also known as: Honda GX240

0.242 L
Displacement
1
Cylinders
3600 rpm
Rated speed
1.1 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity1.1 L
Displacement0.242 L
Cylinders1
Aspirationnatural
Rated speed3600 rpm

Common problems

6
  • Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging can cause engine damage.
    Fix: Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging is misuse, and the Distributor’s Limited Warranty does not cover parts damaged by misuse.
  • Occasionally you may hear a light ‘‘spark knock’’ or ‘‘pinging’’ (metallic rapping noise) while operating under heavy loads.
    Fix: This is no cause for concern. 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.
  • When the engine will not start:
    Fix: 1. Is the engine switch on? 2. Does the oil alert lamp flash when the starter is pulled ? 3. Is there enough fuel ? 4. Are all loads disconnected from the AC receptacles ? 5. Is there a spark at the spark plug ? a.Remove the spark plug cap. Clean any dust from around the spark plug base, then remove the spark plug. b.Install the spark plug in the plug cap. c.Turn the engine switch on. d.Grounding the side electrode to any engine ground, pull the recoil starter to see if sparks jump across the gap. Be sure there is no spilled fuel near the spark plug. Spilled fuel may ignite. Perform this test in a well ventilated area. e.If there are no sparks, replace the plug. f.If the new spark plug does not spark, take the generator to an authorized Honda dealer.
  • When the engine starts but stops immediately;
    Fix: 1. Check the oil alert lamp. If the oil alert lamp flashes when the starter is pulled, check the engine oil level and fill with the recommended oil. 2. Re-start the engine.
  • No electricity at the AC receptacles:
    Fix: 1. Is the AC circuit breaker on ? 2. Check the electrical appliance or equipment for any defects.
  • 6. Is gasoline reaching the carburetor?
    Fix: To check, place a suitable container under the drain, turn the engine switch on and loosen the drain screw. Fuel should flow out freely. If OK, try to start the engine according to the instructions.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Honda GX240.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterWash in household detergent and warm water or nonflammable/high flash point solvent, dry, soak in clean engine oil and squeeze out excess—3 hr
Fuel filter—50 hr
OilHonda 4-stroke oil or equivalent high detergent premium quality motor oil, Service Classification SE or SF; SAE 10W-40 recommended for general all-temperature use1.1 l—20 hr
Spark plugBPR5ES (NGK) / W16EPR-U (ND)—500 hr

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

Service intervals

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ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Engine oilChange100 hr6 moFirst service — First month or 20 Hrs.
Air cleanerClean50 hr3 moService more frequently when used in dusty areas. (1)
Sediment CupClean100 hr6 mo
Spark arresterClean100 hr6 mo
Spark plugClean100 hr6 moClean-Adjust
Fuel tank and filterClean300 hr12 mo(1)
Idle speedAdjust300 hr12 moClean-Adjust. (2)
Spark plugReplace300 hr12 mo
Valve clearanceAdjust300 hr12 moCheck-Adjust. (2)
Combustion chamberClean500 hrAfter every 500 Hrs. (2)
Fuel tubeCheck24 moEvery 2 years (Replace if necessary) (2)

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

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TypeItemValueUnitCondition
GapSpark plug gap0.028-0.031in
GapSpark plug gap0.028-0.031 in (0.70-0.80 mm)in (mm)
GapSpark plug gap0.7-0.8mm
OtherCrank duration3-3-4-5secper automatic attempt sequence
OtherEnclosure dimensions85x58x33mm
OtherEngine oil capacity1.1lrefill
OtherEngine oil capacity1.2 US qt (1.1 L, 1.0 Imp qt)US qt (L, Imp qt)
OtherFuel tank capacity1.59 US gal (6.0 L, 1.32 Imp gal)US gal (L, Imp gal)
OtherFuel tank capacity6.0l
OtherLength of cable2m
OtherMax. Standby Current9.8mA @ 12 V
OtherNumber of attempts4automatic starting attempts
OtherPause between each automatic attempt10sec
SpeedEngine max. output speed3600rpmmax. output 8.0 HP
SpeedMax. torque speed2500rpm1.7 kg-m (12.3 ft-lb)
TemperatureOperating Temperature Range-30 to +70°C
Valve clearanceValve clearance EX0.20 ± 0.02 mmmmcold
Valve clearanceValve clearance IN0.15 ± 0.02 mmmmcold
VoltageDC supply12VDCgenerator battery

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 SJ1.1 LRecommended for general, all-temperature use. Other viscosities shown in chart may be used when average temperature is within indicated range.
Engine oilSAE 10W-40 (recommended for general all-temperature use); other viscosities per ambient temperature chartSE or SF (U.S. automobile manufacturer's Service Classification)1.1 lUse Honda 4-stroke oil or equivalent high detergent premium quality motor oil; non-detergent and vegetable oils not recommended
FuelRegular grade automotive gasoline (unleaded preferred), pump octane rating 88 or higher6.0 lNever use oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Gasohol: max 10% ethanol; max 5% methanol with cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors
FuelUnleaded gasolinePump octane rating of 86 or higher6.0 LThis engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline. Oxygenated fuels: up to 10% ethanol, 15% MTBE, 5% methanol with cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.

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

Procedures

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Setting up 10 sec start delay adjustment

⚠ 10 sec start delay is used in combination with an ATS panel to prevent multiple short start-stop commands coming from the ATS panel while the mains is unstable during blackout.

  1. Open the controller cover and locate the red dip switch (S-DELAY).
  2. Use your finger to move the dip switch 1 to ON position.
  3. Replace the cover and tighten screws.
Air Cleaner Service maintenance

⚠ Never use gasoline or low flash point solvents to clean the element.

⚠ Never run the generator without the air cleaner.

  1. Remove wing nut and air cleaner cover; remove and separate elements.
  2. Check both elements for holes or tears; replace if damaged.
  3. Foam element: wash, rinse and dry thoroughly, soak in clean engine oil, squeeze out excess.
  4. Paper element: tap lightly on hard surface or blow compressed air from inside out.
Changing Oil maintenance

⚠ Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact with skin.

  1. Drain oil while engine is still warm.
  2. Remove drain plug and filler cap, drain oil, retighten plug securely.
  3. Refill with recommended oil and check level.
Engine Oil Change maintenance

⚠ Wash hands with soap after handling used oil.

  1. Remove drain plug and sealing washer, remove oil filler cap, and drain oil.
  2. Reinstall drain plug and sealing washer. Tighten securely.
  3. Refill with recommended oil and check oil level.
Fuel Sediment Cup Cleaning maintenance
  1. Turn fuel valve OFF. Remove sediment cup, O-ring, and filter.
  2. Clean sediment cup, O-ring, and filter in nonflammable solvent.
  3. Reinstall filter, O-ring, and sediment cup.
  4. Turn fuel valve ON and check for leaks.
Pre-operation Engine Oil Check maintenance

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

  1. Check engine on a level surface with engine stopped.
  2. Remove oil filler cap and wipe dipstick clean.
  3. Insert dipstick into oil filler neck but do not screw it in.
  4. If level is low, fill to top of oil filler neck.
Refueling maintenance

⚠ Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive; refuel with engine stopped in a well ventilated area.

⚠ Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks.

⚠ Do not overfill; wipe up spilled fuel before starting.

  1. Check the fuel level.
  2. If low, fill to the shoulder of the fuel filter.
  3. Close filler cap securely.
Sediment Cup Cleaning maintenance
  1. Turn the fuel valve to OFF.
  2. Remove the sediment cup and O-ring and wash in nonflammable solvent.
  3. Dry thoroughly and reinstall securely.
  4. Turn fuel valve ON and check for leaks.
Spark Arrester Maintenance maintenance

⚠ Allow muffler to cool before proceeding.

⚠ Be careful not to damage the spark arrester screen.

Tools: brush

  1. Remove eight 5 mm screws from muffler protector and remove protector.
  2. Remove 4 mm screw from spark arrester and remove it from muffler.
  3. Use a brush to remove carbon deposits from the arrester screen.
  4. Install arrester and muffler in reverse order of disassembly.
Spark Plug Service maintenance

⚠ Muffler will be very hot if engine has been running.

⚠ Never use a spark plug of incorrect heat range.

Tools: spark plug wrench, feeler gauge, wire brush

  1. Remove spark plug cap and use spark plug wrench to remove plug.
  2. Visually inspect plug; discard if insulator cracked or chipped.
  3. Measure plug gap with feeler gauge.
  4. Check washer condition and thread plug in by hand.
  5. Tighten with spark plug wrench to compress washer.
Storage Preparation maintenance

⚠ Turn engine switch and oil alert switch OFF and keep generator level when transporting.

  1. Ensure storage area is free of excessive humidity and dust.
  2. Drain fuel: remove and empty sediment cup with fuel valve OFF.
  3. Turn fuel valve ON and drain tank into suitable container.
  4. Replace sediment cup and tighten securely.
  5. Loosen carburetor drain screw and drain gasoline.
  6. Change the engine oil.
  7. Remove spark plug, pour about a tablespoon of clean engine oil into cylinder, crank several revolutions, reinstall plug.
  8. Pull starter rope slowly until notch on pulley aligns with hole on recoil starter, then cover engine.
Storage Procedure maintenance

⚠ Gasoline is extremely flammable. Perform in well-ventilated area with engine stopped.

  1. Drain carburetor by loosening drain screw into suitable container.
  2. Change engine oil.
  3. Remove spark plug, pour about a tablespoon of clean engine oil into cylinder. Crank engine several revolutions, reinstall spark plug.
  4. Slowly pull starter grip until resistance is felt.

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

21

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 GX240?

The Honda GX240 engine has an oil capacity of 1.1 liters.

What is the displacement of the Honda GX240?

The Honda GX240 has a displacement of 0.242 liters with 1 cylinders.

Which generators use the Honda GX240 engine?

The Honda GX240 powers 2 generator set(s), including Honda EG3500X, Honda EM3800SX.

How often should you change the oil in the Honda GX240?

The Honda GX240 oil change interval is every 20 hours.

What is a common problem with the Honda GX240 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Honda GX240 is: Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging can cause engine damage.. Fix: Running the engine with persistent spark knock or pinging is misuse, and the Distributor’s Limited Warranty does not cover parts damaged by misuse..