HONDA GX270 User Manual

Owner’s Manual
Black
DIC 157
GX270GX390
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
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