HONDA GX270 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

Black

DIC 157

GX270・GX390

LPG-Fueled Engine

2003 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. -All Rights Reserved

The engine exhaust from this product

contains chemicals known to the State

of California to cause cancer, birth

defects or other reproductive harm.

Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time.
This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the engine and
should remain with the engine if resold.

The information and specifications included in this publication were in
effect at the time of approval for printing. Illustrations are based on the
GX270 LPG. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, to
discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without
notice and without incurring any obligation whatever. No part of this
publication may be reproduced without written permission.

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your selection of a Honda engine. We are certain
you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest engines on
the market.

We want to help you get the best results from your new engine and to
operate it safely. This manual contains the information on how to do
that; please read it carefully.

As you read this manual, you will find information preceded by a

symbol. That information is intended to help you avoid

damage to your engine, other property, or the environment.

We suggest you read the warranty policy to fully understand its
coverage and your responsibilities of ownership. The warranty policy
is a separate document that should have been given to you by your
dealer.

When your engine needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that
your Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda
engines. Your Honda servicing dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction
and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.

Best Wishes,
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

1

INTRODUCTION

A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. And using this
engine safely is an important responsibility.

To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided
operating procedures and other information on labels and in this
manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or maintaining an engine. You must
use your own good judgment.

You will find important safety information in a variety of forms,
including:

Safety Labels

Safety Messages

of three signal words, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.

These signal words mean:

Safety Headings

Safety Section

Instructions

This entire book is filled with important safety information –– please
read it carefully.

–– on the engine.

–– preceded by a safety alert symbol and one

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if
you don’t follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if
you don’t follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.

–– such as

–– such as

–– how to use this engine correctly and safely.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

ENGINE SAFETY.

2

CONTENTS

.......................................................................................ENGINE SAFETY . 5

............................................................................................CONTROLS . 8

.......................................................................................Choke Lever . 9

...........................................................................................FEATURES . 11

System (applicable engine types) . 11

............................................................................................OPERATION . 14

................................................IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION . 5

........................................................................CONTROLS & FEATURES . 7

............................................COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS . 7

....................................................................................Engine Switch . 8

..................................................................................Throttle Lever . 10

...........................................................................Recoil Starter Grip . 10

.................................Oil Alert

.............................................................................BEFORE OPERATION . 12

.....................................................IS YOUR ENGINE READY TO GO? . 12

..................................Check the General Condition of the Engine . 12

.............................................................................Check the Engine . 13

............................Check the Equipment Powered by This Engine . 13

...................................................SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS . 14

....................................................................STARTING THE ENGINE . 14

....................................................................STOPPING THE ENGINE . 18

...................................................................SETTING ENGINE SPEED . 19

.....................................................SERVICING YOUR HONDA ENGINE . 20

............................................THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE . 20

....................................................................MAINTENANCE SAFETY . 21

..............................................................MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE . 22

.............................................................FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS . 23

................................................................ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK . 24

.........................................................................ENGINE OIL CHANGE . 25

..................................................ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS . 26

....................................................................AIR FILTER INSPECTION . 27

......................................................................AIR CLEANER SERVICE . 28

.......................................................................SPARK PLUG SERVICE . 30

...............................................................IDLE SPEED ADJUSTMENT . 31

.....................................SPARK ARRESTER SERVICE (optional part) . 32

3

CONTENTS

...........................................................................................Air Index . 43

.........................................................HELPFUL TIPS & SUGGESTIONS . 33

...................................................................STORING YOUR ENGINE . 33

........................................................................Storage Preparation . 33

........................................................................Storage Precautions . 34

...................................................................Removal From Storage . 35

.................................................................................TRANSPORTING . 36

.....................................TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS . 37

.................................................................ENGINE WILL NOT START . 37

.....................................................................ENGINE LACKS POWER . 37

........................................TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION . 38

...............................................................TECHNICAL INFORMATION . 38

..................................................................Serial Number Location . 38

.................................................................Remote Control Linkage . 39

...................Carburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation . 40

..........................................Emission Control System Information . 41

..................................................................................Specifications . 44

...............................................................................Wiring Diagram . 45

..............................................................CONSUMER INFORMATION . 46

.........................................................................Honda Publications . 46

........................................................Warranty Service Information . 47

4

............................QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION . Inside back cover

ENGINE SAFETY

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Most accidents with engines can be prevented if you follow all
instructions in this manual and on the engine. Some of the most
common hazards are discussed below, along with the best way to
protect yourself and others.

Owner Responsibilities

Honda engines are designed to give safe and dependable service if
operated according to instructions. Read and understand this
owner’s manual before operating the engine. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or equipment damage.

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 allow children to operate the engine. Keep children and pets
away from the area of operation.

Refuel With Care

LPG is extremely flammable, and LPG can explode. Refuel outdoors, in
a well-ventilated area, with the engine stopped. Never smoke near LPG,
and keep other flames and sparks away.

Hot Exhaust

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. Let the engine cool before storing it indoors.

To prevent fire hazards and to provide adequate ventilation for
stationary equipment applications, keep the engine at least 3 feet (1
meter) away from building walls and other equipment during
operation. Do not place flammable objects close to the engine.

5

ENGINE SAFETY

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide. Avoid inhalation of
exhaust gas. Never run the engine in a closed garage or confined area.

Other Equipment

Review the instructions provided with the equipment powered by this
engine for any additional safety precautions that should be observed
in conjunction with engine startup, shutdown, or operation, or
protective apparel that may be needed to operate the equipment.

6

CONTROLS & FEATURES

COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS

MUFFLER AIR CLEANER

SPARK PLUG

CHOKE LEVER

STARTER GRIP

THROTTLE LEVER

RECOIL STARTER

ENGINE SWITCH

OIL DRAIN PLUG

OIL FILLER CAP

7

CONTROLS & FEATURES

CONTROLS

Engine Switch

The engine switch enables and disables the ignition system.

The engine switch must be in the ON position for the engine to run.

Turning the engine switch to the OFF position stops the engine.

ENGINE SWITCH

OFF

8

ON

CONTROLS & FEATURES

Choke Lever

The choke lever opens and closes the choke valve in the carburetor.

The CLOSED position creates a vacuum to help the LPG to flow into
the engine during starting.

The OPEN position removes the vacuum after the engine has started
and can produced its own vacuum.

Some engine applications use a remotely-mounted choke control
rather than the engine-mounted choke lever shown here.

CCLLOOSSEEDD

CHOKE LEVER

OOPPEENN

9

CONTROLS & FEATURES

Throttle Lever

The throttle lever controls engine speed.

Moving the throttle lever in the directions shown makes the engine
runfasterorslower.

Some engine applications use a remotely-mounted throttle control
rather than the engine-mounted throttle lever shown here.

THROTTLE LEVER

FFAASSTT

SLOW

Recoil Starter Grip

Pulling the starter grip operates the recoil starter to crank the engine.

STARTER GRIP

10

FEATURES

CONTROLS & FEATURES

Oil Alert

The Oil Alert
by an insufficient amount of oil in the crankcase. Before the oil level in
the crankcase can fall below a safe limit, the Oil Alert
automatically stop the engine (the ignition switch will remain in the
ON position).

If the engine stops and will not restart, check the engine oil level (page

24

) before troubleshooting in other areas.

System (applicable engine types)

system is designed to prevent engine damage caused

system will

11

BEFORE OPERATION

IS YOUR ENGINE READY TO GO?

For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your equipment, it
is very important to take a few moments before you operate the
engine to check its condition. Be sure to take care of any problem you
find, or have your servicing dealer correct it, before you operate the
engine.

Improperly maintaining this engine,
or failing to correct a problem
before operation, could cause a
malfunction in which you could be
seriously injured.

Always perform a preoperation
inspection before each operation,
and correct any problem.

Before beginning your preoperation checks, be sure the engine is level
and the engine switch is in the OFF position.

Check the General Condition of the Engine

Look and smell around and underneath the engine for signs of oil or
LPG leaks.

Remove any excessive dirt or debris, especially around the muffler
and recoil starter.

Look for signs of damage.

Check that all shields and covers are in place, and all nuts, bolts, and
screws are tightened.

12

Check the Engine

BEFORE OPERATION

Check the engine oil level (see page ). Running the engine with a
low oil level can cause engine damage.

The Oil Alert
stop the engine before the oil level falls below safe limits. However,
to avoid the inconvenience of an unexpected shutdown, always
check the engine oil level before startup.

Check the air filter (see page ). A dirty air filter will restrict air flow
to the carburetor, reducing engine performance.

Check the Equipment Powered by This Engine

Review the instructions provided with the equipment powered by this
engine for any precautions and procedures that should be followed
before engine startup.

system (applicable engine types) will automatically

27

24

13

OPERATION

SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS

Beforeoperatingtheengineforthefirsttime,pleasereviewthe

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
BEFORE OPERATION

Review the instructions provided with the equipment powered by this
engine for any safety precautions that should be observed in
conjunction with engine startup, shutdown, or operation.

STARTING THE ENGINE

.

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill you.

Avoid any areas or actions that
expose you to carbon monoxide.

on page and the chapter titled

5

Turn the fuel valve to the OPEN or ON position at the source before

1.
attempting to start the engine.

14