HomeEnginesHonda GX390T2

Honda GX390T2 Engine

The Honda GX390T2 is a 0.39 L 1-cylinder 4-stroke engine rated at 3600 rpm. It powers generator sets from Honda, including the EB5000, EB6500, EM5000SXK3 and EM6500SXK2. It holds 1.1 L (0.3 gal) of oil.

Also known as: Honda GX390T2

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

Service parts for the GX390T2

The cheapest captured merchant offer per filter — see the full cross-reference below for every OEM/aftermarket option.

Air intake

1 required
P822686Air filterfind

Prices captured from merchant listings; some links are affiliate links. Verify against your serial number before ordering.

Engine specifications

Oil capacity1.1 L
Displacement0.389 L
Cylinders1
Aspiration4-stroke
Rated speed3600 rpm

Generator sets powered by this engine

4
Honda EB5000Honda EB6500Honda EM5000SXK3Honda EM6500SXK2

How to read your Honda engine serial & model number →

Common problems

8
  • Engine speed does not stabilize
    Fix: Disassemble and inspect for restricted parts. Replace or repair the main wire harness. Check for continuity between the ECM 8P connector wire harness side and junction box 8P connector wire harness side: No continuity, Normal, Abnormal, Normal.
  • Engine hard to start
    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.
  • Engine does not stop when engine oil level is low
    Fix: Check the combination switch (page 7-7). Replace the combination switch. Check for open circuit in junction box circuit (page 7-11). Check for open circuit in the yellow wire between the oil level switch and ignition coil.
  • Engine does not stop when combination switch is turned off
    Fix: Check the combination switch (page 7-7). Replace the combination switch. Check for continuity between the ignition coil 4P connector wire harness side and combination switch 2P connector wire harness side: Continuity, No continuity.
  • Engine does not start or is hard to start.
    Cause: Engine lacks power. Engine will not rev sufficiently. ENGINE OIL level low. FUEL STRAINER clogged. IGNITION COIL faulty. CHARGE / POWER COIL faulty. CONTROL GEAR BOX faulty. COMBINATION SWITCH faulty. ECM faulty. SPARK ARRESTER clogged. VALVE or VALVE SEAT worn or damaged. CYLINDER, PISTON, or PISTON RING worn. WIRE HARNESS faulty. OIL LEVEL SWITCH faulty. SPARK PLUG faulty. AIR CLEANER ELEMENT clogged. CARBURETOR faulty. VALVE CLEARANCE incorrect.
  • Does not crank
    Fix: Perform STARTING SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING
  • Compression is too low
    Cause: Valve spring free length, Valve seat width, Valve face irregularly worn, Decompressor operation, Piston ring side clearance, Piston ring width, Piston ring end gap, Piston skirt O.D., Cylinder sleeve I.D.
    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.
  • Compression is too high
    Fix: Perform the cylinder compression test (page 11-5). 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 GX390T2.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterClean in warm soapy water or non-flammable solvent, allow to dry, dip in clean engine oil and squeeze out excess464491000 hr eBay $63.74
Fuel filterHonda OEH34897-AF000100 hr Amazon eBay
Oil filterChangeH34896-AF000300 hr Amazon eBay
Battery12V, 7.5AhH34896-AB0001000 hr Amazon eBay
BeltHonda OEH34892-AF000500 hr Amazon eBay
CoolantHonda Coolant1.6 L300 hr
OilSAE 10W-30, API service category SJ or later (or equivalent)1.25 L300 hr
Spark plugReplaceH34896-AP0001800 hr Amazon eBay

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

Service intervals

13
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Engine oilChange300 hr12 moFirst service — First month or 20 hrs
Air cleanerClean50 hr3 moService more frequently when used in dusty areas (1)
Sediment cupClean100 hr6 moPage 58
Fuel tank and filterClean300 hr12 mo(2)
Spark arresterClean300 hr12 moEvery year or 300 Hrs; also must be serviced every 100 hours (page 71)
Spark plugAdjust300 hr12 moCheck-adjust every year or 300 Hrs (page 69)
Spark plugReplace300 hr12 moEvery year or 300 Hrs (page 69)
Valve clearanceAdjust300 hr12 moCheck-adjust every year or 300 Hrs; by servicing dealer (2)
Combustion chamberClean1000 hrAfter every 1,000 hrs
CanisterCheck24 moEvery 2 years (2)
Charge tubeCheck24 moEvery 2 years (2)
Fuel tubeCheck24 moEvery 2 years (replace if necessary) (2)
Purge tubeCheck24 moEvery 2 years (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

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 gap0.028-0.031in (0.70-0.80 mm)
GapSpark plug gap0.028–0.031in (0.7–0.8 mm)
GapSpark plug gap0.70 – 0.80mm
OtherCompression ratio8.2:1
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 – 12.5
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
TorqueHandle installation flange bolts19.5 lbf·ft (26.5 N·m, 2.7 kgf·m)lbf·ft
TorqueHanger kit flange bolts19.5 lbf·ft (26.5 N·m, 2.7 kgf·m)lbf·ft
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)16.3 lbf·ft (22.1 N·m, 2.25 kgf·m)lbf·ft
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 plug13.0 lbf·ft (17.7 N·m, 1.8 kgf·m)lbf·ft
TorqueSpark plug13.3 lbf·ft (18 N·m, 1.8 kgf·m)N·m
TorqueSpark plug18N·m
TorqueWheel kit flange bolts19.5 lbf·ft (26.5 N·m, 2.7 kgf·m)lbf·ft
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±0.02mmcold
Valve clearanceValve clearance EX0.20±0.02 mmmmcold
Valve clearanceValve clearance IN0.15 ± 0.02mm
Valve clearanceValve clearance IN0.15±0.02mmcold
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 category SJ or later (or equivalent)1.1 LMaximum oil capacity 1.2 US qt (1.1 L); 4-stroke automotive detergent oil; other viscosities per ambient temperature chart
Engine oilSAE 10W-30 (other viscosities per ambient temperature chart)API service classification SJ or higher1.1 LNon detergent and 2-stroke oils 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 volume23.5 LFuel tank capacity 6.21 US gal (23.5 L)
Fuelunleaded gasoline, pump octane rating 86 or higher17.0 LDo not fill above the shoulder of the fuel strainer; oxygenated fuels allowed up to 10% ethanol, 15% MTBE, 5% methanol by volume
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.
2 Wheel Kit Installation installation
  1. Install the two wheels on the axle shaft.
  2. Install the axle assembly on the generator using four bolts and nuts.
  3. Install the two stands using four bolts and nuts.
  4. Install right and left handles on the generator upper frame using brackets and six bolts.
4 Wheel Kit Installation installation

⚠ Install the shaft with the wheel stopper facing the engine side.

  1. Install the four wheels on the axle shaft.
  2. Install the axle assembly on the generator using four bolts and nuts.
Handle Installation installation

⚠ Do not add fuel or oil before tipping 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 8×16 mm flange bolts, handle bush A, handle bush B, and handle lower bracket.
  3. Torque to 19.5 lbf·ft (26.5 N·m, 2.7 kgf·m).
  4. Check that the handle folds smoothly and does not hang down by its own weight.
Hanger Kit Installation installation

Tools: 12 mm wrench (2)

  1. Position the hanger at the generator's balance point.
  2. Fit the end tabs of the hanger through the bracket slots.
  3. Bolt the brackets to the hanger and tighten securely.
  4. Torque to 19.5 lbf·ft (26.5 N·m, 2.7 kgf·m).
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 using four 8×16 mm flange bolts and 8 mm flange nuts.
  4. Torque to 19.5 lbf·ft (26.5 N·m, 2.7 kgf·m).
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 run the generator without the air filter.

⚠ Engine will smoke during initial startup if too much oil is left in the air filter.

  1. Unsnap the air cleaner cover clips, remove the cover, and remove the element.
  2. Wash the air filter in household detergent and warm water, or nonflammable/high flashpoint solvent; rinse thoroughly.
  3. Allow the air filter to dry thoroughly.
  4. Soak the air filter in clean engine oil and squeeze out the excess oil.
  5. 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.
Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor maintenance

⚠ Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive; keep heat, sparks, and flame away.

⚠ Handle fuel only outdoors.

Tools: funnel

  1. Turn the fuel valve lever to the OFF position.
  2. Place a suitable gasoline container below the carburetor.
  3. Loosen the carburetor drain screw and drain the gasoline.
  4. Tighten the carburetor drain screw securely.
  5. Place a container below the sediment cup and remove the sediment cup.
  6. Turn the fuel valve lever to ON and drain the fuel from the tank.
  7. Install the sediment cup and a new O-ring.

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

7
35120-Z5T-003 FridayParts $10.90 12209-ZE8-003 FridayParts $15.00 16100-ZF6-V01 FridayParts $17.95 30700-Z1C-813 KuduParts $12.00 19511-ZE3-000 FridayParts $26.56 16551-ZE3-000 FridayParts $16.05 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.

Filters for this engine

  • Air filter: Donaldson P822686 Wix 46449

Cross-referenced via Donaldson + OEM/engine-maker interchange — options to verify against your serial number, not confirmed for every exact variant.

Also used in

1
  • Ditch Witch 1330 — Trencher

Other equipment known to use this engine, via filter-application cross-reference — useful for sourcing parts even when your exact machine isn't listed elsewhere on this page.

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Honda GX390T2?

The Honda GX390T2 engine has an oil capacity of 1.1 liters.

What is the displacement of the Honda GX390T2?

The Honda GX390T2 has a displacement of 0.389 liters with 1 cylinders.

Which generators use the Honda GX390T2 engine?

The Honda GX390T2 powers 4 generator set(s), including Honda EB5000, Honda EB6500, Honda EM5000SXK3, Honda EM6500SXK2.

What air filter does the Honda GX390T2 use?

The Honda GX390T2 uses air filter part numbers Donaldson P822686, Wix 46449.

How often should you change the oil in the Honda GX390T2?

The Honda GX390T2 oil change interval is every 300 hours.

What is a common problem with the Honda GX390T2 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Honda GX390T2 is: Engine speed does not stabilize. Fix: Disassemble and inspect for restricted parts. Replace or repair the main wire harness. Check for continuity between the ECM 8P connector wire harness side and junction box 8P connector wire harness side: No continuity, Normal, Abnormal, Normal..