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Honda GX270T2 Engine

The Honda GX270T2 is an engine rated at 3600 rpm, producing up to 9450 kW. It powers generator sets from Honda, including the EM4000SX. It holds 1.1 L (0.3 gal) of oil.

Also known as: Honda GX270T2

3600 rpm

Rated speed

9450 kW

Gross power

1.1 L

Oil capacity

On this pageSpecs Generator sets Maintenance FAQ Service intervals Torque & specs Fluids Procedures

Engine specifications

Oil capacity	1.1 L
Rated speed	3600 rpm
Gross power	9450 kW

Generator sets powered by this engine

Honda EM4000SX

How to read your Honda engine serial & model number →

Common problems

Engine will not rev sufficiently
Cause: Engine oil level low
Fix: Inspection: (page 3-3)
Engine lacks power
Cause: Engine oil level low
Fix: Inspection: (page 3-3)
Engine does not start or is hard to start
Cause: Engine oil level low
Fix: Inspection: (page 3-3)
Ignition system troubleshooting — no spark
Cause: Oil level switch faulty
Fix: Check the engine oil level before troubleshooting; Check the oil level switch (page 13-5); Replace the oil level switch (page 13-4)
Engine speed does not stabilize
Cause: Restricted parts
Fix: Disassemble and inspect for restricted parts
Starter motor does not operate
Cause: Battery discharged
Fix: Check the battery condition (page 15-3); Replace with a known-good battery; If the battery runs down again, perform the CHARGING SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING (page 2-38)
Engine does not stop when combination switch is turned off
Cause: Combination switch faulty
Fix: Check the combination switch (page 7-7); Replace the combination switch
Engine does not stop when engine oil level is low
Cause: Oil level switch faulty
Fix: Start the engine; Disconnect the oil level switch wire connector (Yellow) terminal, and short the wire harness side to engine ground using a jumper wire; Replace the oil level switch (page 13-4)
Hard starting — Wet spark plug
Cause: Carburetor float valve
Fix: If spark plug gap is correct, clean and dry the electrodes, and then restart the engine; If the engine does not start and the electrodes are wet again, check the carburetor float valve (page 5-12)
Hard starting — No spark
Cause: Ignition system fault
Fix: Perform the IGNITION SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING (page 2-15)
Hard starting — No fuel
Cause: Clogged fuel tube, fuel filter, or fuel valve; frozen obstruction in the breather tube in cold weather
Fix: Check for clogged fuel tube, fuel filter, and fuel valve; If the engine is stalled in a cold weather application, check for a frozen obstruction in the breather tube
Hard starting — Engine hard to start
Cause: Clogged carburetor ports, jets, and nozzles; choke valve not closing; control gear box fault
Fix: Disassemble the carburetor to check for clogged ports, jets, and nozzles (page 5-10); Restart the engine; Check the control gear box (page 5-7); Remove the carburetor spacer (page 5-4) and check whether the choke valve is closed when pulling the recoil starter
Hard starting — Does not crank
Cause: Recoil starter hard to pull when installed on the engine
Fix: If the recoil starter operates correctly when removed but is hard to pull when installed on the engine, check the decompressor operation of the camshaft (page 13-12); If the recoil starter operates correctly when removed but cannot be pulled when installed on the engine, disassemble the engine and repair or replace the faulty part(s) (page 13-2)
Hard starting — Compression is too low
Cause: Air leakage from the engine
Fix: Check the valve clearance (page 3-9), and then perform the cylinder compression test (page 11-5); If the cylinder compression is too low, perform a leak-down test; If there is air leakage from the engine, check the following: –Valve spring free length (page 11-7) –Valve seat width (page 11-6) –Valve face irregularly worn (page 11-7) –Decompressor operation (page 13-12) –Piston ring side clearance (page 13-8) –Piston ring width (page 13-8) –Piston ring end gap (page 13-8) –Piston skirt O.D. (page 13-6) –Cylinder sleeve I.D. (page 13-6)
Hard starting — Compression is too high
Cause: Carbon deposits in the combustion chamber
Fix: Check the valve clearance (page 3-9), and then perform the cylinder compression test; If the cylinder compression is too high, remove carbon deposits in the combustion chamber (page 3-10)

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Honda GX270T2.

Maintenance schedule

Item	Spec	Capacity	Part #
Air filter			—
Fuel filter			—
Oil	SAE 10W-30 API service classification SJ or later	1.1 L	—
Spark plug	BPR5ES (NGK), W16EPR-U (DENSO)		—

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

Service intervals

Item	Action	Hours	Months	Notes
Engine oil	Change	20 hr	1 mo	First service — First month or 20 hrs
Combustion chamber	Clean	1000 hr		After every 1,000 hrs
Canister	Check		24 mo	Every 2 years
Charge tube	Check		24 mo	Every 2 years
Fuel tube	Check		24 mo	Every 2 years (Replace if necessary)
Purge tube	Check		24 mo	Every 2 years

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

Type	Item	Value	Unit	Condition
Clearance	Float height	13.2	mm
Gap	Ignition coil air gap	0.2 – 0.6	mm
Gap	Spark plug gap	0.70 – 0.80	mm
Other	Crank duration	3-3-4-5	sec	per automatic attempt sequence
Other	Enclosure dimensions	85x58x33	mm
Other	Length of cable	2	m
Other	Max. Standby Current	9.8	mA @ 12 V
Other	Number of attempts	4		automatic starting attempts
Other	Pause between each automatic attempt	10	sec
Pressure	Cylinder compression	1.29	MPa	at 1,400 min-1 (rpm)
Pressure	Cylinder compression	1.31	MPa	at 1,400 min-1 (rpm)
Resistance	CT sensor resistance	18 ±2	Ω
Resistance	Spark plug cap resistance	7.5 – 12.5	kΩ
Speed	Auto Throttle idle speed	2,300 ± 100	min-1 (rpm)
Speed	Maximum engine speed	3,600 ± 100	min-1 (rpm)
Temperature	Operating Temperature Range	-30 to +70	°C
Torque	Air cleaner case bolt	5.4	N·m
Torque	Carburetor mount nut	8.5	N·m
Torque	Connecting rod special bolt	14	N·m
Torque	Control panel mount bolt	27	N·m
Torque	Crankcase cover bolt	24	N·m
Torque	Cylinder head bolt	35	N·m
Torque	Engine mount nut	34	N·m
Torque	Exhaust pipe nut	24	N·m
Torque	Fan cover stud bolt	23	N·m
Torque	Fan cover stud bolt mounting nut	40	N·m
Torque	Flywheel special nut	128	N·m
Torque	Flywheel special nut	170	N·m
Torque	Front housing bolt	24	N·m
Torque	Fuel meter screw	4	N·m
Torque	Fuel valve nut	23	N·m
Torque	Generator cooling fan screw	4.8	N·m
Torque	Oil drain bolt	22.5	N·m
Torque	Rear housing cover bolt	9.8	N·m
Torque	Rocker arm pivot adjusting nut	10	N·m
Torque	Rocker arm pivot special bolt	24	N·m
Torque	Rotor bolt	44	N·m
Torque	Rubber mount nut	24	N·m
Torque	Spark plug	18	N·m
Valve clearance	Valve clearance EX	0.20 ± 0.02	mm
Valve clearance	Valve clearance IN	0.15 ± 0.02	mm
Voltage	DC supply	12	VDC	generator 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

Fluid	Grade	Standard	Capacity	Notes
Engine oil	SAE 10W-30	API service classification SJ or later	1.1 L	Recommended oil
Fuel	Regular unleaded gasoline	pump octane rating 86 or higher
Grease	Marine grease	water resistant urea based grease
Grease	Multi-purpose grease	NLGI #2 or equivalent		Lithium based multi-purpose grease
Other	Automatic transmission fluid	ATF

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

Procedures

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.

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

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.

Remove air cleaner case lid springs and unhook tabs.
Remove air cleaner cover and element.
Check element and replace if damaged.
Clean element in warm soapy water or non-flammable solvent, dry thoroughly.
Dip filter in clean engine oil, squeeze out excess oil.
Install air cleaner in reverse order of removal.

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

Turn combination switch OFF.
Remove battery.
Check battery for damage.
Leave battery for 30 minutes.
Measure battery voltage with digital multimeter.
If below 12.4 V, charge battery.
Connect charger positive to positive, negative to negative.
Leave for 30 minutes.
Measure voltage; if below 12.7 V, charge.
If still below 12.7 V, replace battery.

Engine Oil Change maintenance

⚠ Used engine oil contains substances that have been identified as carcinogenic. Wash hands thoroughly after contact.

Drain oil while engine is warm.
Place suitable container under oil drain bolt.
Remove oil filler cap, oil drain bolt, and washer.
Install new oil drain washer and tighten drain bolt to specified torque.
Fill with recommended oil to upper level mark.
Tighten oil filler cap securely.

Engine Oil Level Check maintenance

Place engine on level surface.
Remove oil filler cap and wipe oil level gauge clean.
Insert oil filler cap without screwing in.
Remove cap and check oil level on gauge.
If near or below lower mark, fill to upper mark with recommended oil.
Tighten oil filler cap securely.

Fuel Tank and Fuel Strainer Cleaning maintenance

⚠ Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. Keep heat, sparks, and flame away. Handle fuel only outdoors.

Drain fuel into suitable container.
Remove fuel tank and fuel strainer.
Clean fuel strainer and fuel tank with non-flammable solvent.
Allow to dry thoroughly.
Install fuel tank.
Check for any signs of fuel leakage.

Spark Arrester Cleaning maintenance

⚠ If engine has been running, allow it to cool before proceeding.

Tools: Wire brush

Remove two screws and spark arrester.
Clean carbon deposits from spark arrester screen with wire brush.
Check screen for damage; replace spark arrester if damaged.
Install spark arrester in reverse order of removal.

Spark Plug Check/Adjustment maintenance

⚠ If engine has been running, allow it to cool before proceeding.

Tools: Spark plug wrench, Wire-type feeler gauge

Remove spark plug cap, then spark plug using spark plug wrench.
Visually check; replace if heavily fouled or insulator cracked.
Measure plug gap with wire-type feeler gauge.
Adjust gap by bending side electrode.
Install spark plug finger-tight, then tighten 1/8 – 1/4 turn.
Install spark plug cap securely.

Valve Clearance Check/Adjustment maintenance

Tools: Thickness gauge

Disconnect breather hose.
Remove head cover bolt and head cover.
Set piston near top dead center of compression stroke.
Insert thickness gauge between rocker arm and valve stem.
If adjustment needed, loosen pivot adjusting nut, turn pivot to obtain specified clearance.
Retighten pivot adjusting nut to specified torque.
Recheck clearance.
Install head cover and breather hose.

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

35120-Z5T-003 FridayParts $10.90 30700-Z1C-813 KuduParts $12.00 FridayParts $14.20 FP-XP-0034625

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 GX270T2?

The Honda GX270T2 engine has an oil capacity of 1.1 liters.

Which generators use the Honda GX270T2 engine?

The Honda GX270T2 powers 1 generator set(s), including Honda EM4000SX.

What is a common problem with the Honda GX270T2 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Honda GX270T2 is: Engine will not rev sufficiently. Cause: Engine oil level low. Fix: Inspection: (page 3-3).