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GCV135E•GCV160E
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. 2003
130000.2004.10PRINTED IN ITALY
32Z0M600
00X32-Z0M-6000
OWNER’S MANUAL
SERIAL NUMBER AND ENGINE TYPE
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The Honda engine is designed to give safe and dependable service
if operated according to instructions. Read and understand the
Owner’s Manual before operating the engine. Failure to do so
could result in personal injury or equipment damage.
Indicates that equipment or property damage can
result if instructions are not followed.
Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equipment
damage if instructions are not followed.
Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal
injury or death ifinstructions are not followed.
Thank you for purchasing a Honda engine.
This manual covers the operation and maintenance of your engine:
Allinformation in this publication is based on the latest product
information available atthetime of printing.
The illustrations may vary according to the with top cover type.
If aproblem should arise, or if you have any questions about your
engine, consult an authorized Honda dealer.
Gives helpful information.
Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following
words:
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the engine
andshould remain with it if it is resold.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written
permission.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any
time without notice and without incurring any obligation.
GCV135E·GCV160E
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
To ensure safe operation
Honda engine is designed to give safe and
dependable service if operated according
to instructions. Read and understand the
Owner’s Manual before operating the
engine. Failure to do so could result in
personal injury or equipment damage.
Always make a pre-operation inspection (page ) before you
start the engine. You may prevent an accident or equipment
damage.
To prevent fire hazards and to provide adequate ventilation,
keep the engine at least 1 meter (3 feet) away from buildings
and other equipment during operation. Do not place flammable
objects close to the engine.
Children and pets must be kept away from the area of
operation due to a possibility of burns from hot engine
components or injury from any equipment the engine may be
used to operate.
Know how to stop the engine quickly, and understand the
operation of all controls. Never permit anyone to operate the
engine without proper instructions.
Do not place flammable objects such as gasoline, matches, etc.,
close to the engine while it is running.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped.
Gasolineishighly flammable and explosive under certain
conditions.
Do not overfill the fuel tank. There should be no fuel in the filler
neck.
Make sure that the filler cap is closed securely.
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Safety Instruction
SAFETY INDICATION LOCATION
If any fuel is spilled, clean it up completely and allow petroleum
vapours to dissipate before starting the engine.
To ensure safe operation
Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks where the engine is
refueled or where gasoline is stored.
Exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide. Avoid
inhalation of exhaust gases. Never run the engine in a closed
garage or confined area.
Do not place anything on the engine, as it may create a fire
hazard.
Asparkarrester is available as an optional part for this engine. It
is illegal in some areas to operate an engine without a spark
arrester. Check local laws and regulations before operating.
The muffler becomes very hot during operation and remains hot
for a while after stopping the engine. Be careful not to touch the
muffler while it is hot. To avoid severe burns or fire hazards, let
theengine cool before transporting it or storing it indoors.
Place the engine on a stable surface. Do not tilt the engine more
than 15° from horizontal. Operating at excessive angles may
result in fuel spillage.
READ OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATION.
This indication warns you of potential hazards that can cause
serious injury. Read it carefully.
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COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
OIL FILLER CAP
MUFFLER
SPARK PLUG
STARTER GRIP RECOIL STARTER
CHOKELEVER
(applicable types)
TOP COVER
(applicable types)
(applicable types)
CONTROLLEVER
AIR CLEANER
FUEL VALVE
FUEL TANK CAPFLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER
FUEL TAN
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PRE-OPERATION CHECK
Engine oil level
Be sure to check the engine on a level surface with the engine
stopped.
Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious
engine damage.
Using nondetergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil could shorten the
engine’s service life.
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UPPER LIMIT
LOWER LIMIT
OIL FILLER CAP/
DIPSTICK
SAE Viscosity Grades
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
SAE
TEMP
If the level is low, add the recommended oil to the upper limit on
thedipstick.
Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean.
Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in.
UseHonda 4-stroke, or an equivalent
high detergent, premium quality motoroil certified to meet or exceed U.S.
automobile manufacturer’s requirements for service classification SG, SH.
Motoroils classified SG, SH will show
this designation on the container.
SAE10W-30 is recommended for general, all temperature use. If single viscosity oil is used, select the appropriateviscosity for the average temperature in your area.
1.
2.
3.
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Aircleaner
Never run the engine without the air cleaner. Rapid engine wear
will result.
2.
ELEMENT
AIR CLEANER COVER
Remove the air cleaner cover and check the cleaner for dirt or
obstruction of the element (page 20 ).
Fuel
Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain
conditions.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not
smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is
refueled or where gasoline is stored.
Do not overfill the fuel tank (there should be no fuel in the filler
neck). After refueling, make sure the tank cap is closed properly
and securely.
Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel
vapor may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry
before starting the engine.
Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of
vapor.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
3.
Useautomotive unleaded gasoline with a Research Octane
Number of 91 or higher (a Pump Octane Number of 86 or higher).
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline
mixture. Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
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GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL
Before buying fuel from an unfamiliar station, try to find out if
the fuel contains alcohol, if it does, confirm the type and
percentage of alcohol used. If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms while using a gasoline that contains
alcohol, or one that you think contains alcohol, switch to a
gasoline that you know does not contain alcohol.
Fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting
from the use of fuels that contain alcohol is not covered under
the warranty. Honda cannot endorse the use of fuels containing
methanol since evidence of their suitability is as yet incomplete.
Gasoline spoils very quickly depending on factors such as light
exposure, temperature and time.
In worst cases, gasoline can be contaminated within 1 month.
Using contaminated gasoline can seriously damage the engine
(carburetor clogged, valve stuck).
Such damage due to spoiled fuel is disallowed from coverage by
thewarranty.
To avoid this please strictly follow these recommendations:
Only use specified gasoline (page ).
To slow deterioration, keep gasoline in a certified fuel container.
If long storage (more than 1 month) is foreseen, drain fuel tank
and carburetor (page ).
If youdecidetouseagasoline containing alcohol (gasohol), be
sure it’s octane rating is at least as high as that recommended by
Honda. There are two types of ‘‘gasohol’’: one containing ethanol,
andthe other containing methanol. Do not use gasohol that
contains more than 10% ethanol. Do not use gasoline containing
methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) that does not also contain
cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol. Never use
gasoline containing more than 5% methanol, even if it has
cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.
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UPPER LEVEL
FUEL FILLER
NECK