HONDA GX340 User Manual

GX240 GX270 GX340 GX390

www.honda-engines-eu.com

Serial number and
engine type

OWNER’S MANUAL

32ZH9611

00X32-ZH9-6111

HONDA EUROPE N.V.(EEC)

1

Thank you for purchasing a Honda engine.
This manual covers the operation and maintenance of your engine:

GX240 GX270 GX340 GX390
All information in this publication is based on the latest product

information available at the time of printing.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any

time without notice and without incurring any obligation.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written

permission.
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the engine

and should remain with it if it is resold.
Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following

words:

injury or death if instructions are not followed.

damage if instructions are not followed.

result if instructions are not followed.

If a problem should arise, or if you have any questions about your
engine, consult an authorized Honda dealer.

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 a strong possibility of severe personal

Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equipment

Indicates that equipment or property damage can

Gives helpful information.

2

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

To ensure safe operation

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.
Gasoline is highly 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.
If any fuel is spilled, clean it up completely and allow petroleum
vapours to dissipate before starting the engine.
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.
Place the engine on a stable surface. Do not tilt the engine more
than 20° from horizontal. Operating at excessive angles may
result in fuel spillage.

−

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.

6

3

Safety Instruction

To ensure safe operation

Do not place anything on the engine, as it may create a fire
hazard.
A spark arrester 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
the engine cool before transporting it or storing it indoors.

−

SAFETY LABEL LOCATION

This label warns you of potential hazards that can cause serious
injury. Read it carefully.

If the label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda
dealer for replacement.

READ OWNER’S
MANUAL

4

BATTERY CONNECTIONS (for electric starter)

Use a 12 volt battery with an ampere-hour rating of at least 18 AH.
Connect the battery positive ( ) cable to the starter solenoid

＋

terminal, as shown.
Connect the battery negative ( ) cable to an engine mounting bolt,

−

frame bolt, or other good engine ground connection.
Check the battery cable connections to be sure the cables are
tightened and free of corrosion. Remove any corrosion, and coat
the terminals and cable ends with grease.

NEGATIVE ( )
BATTERY CABLE

(to engine body)

−

STARTER SOLENOID

POSITIVE ( )
BATTERY CABLE

＋

The battery gives off explosive gases; keep sparks, flames and
cigarettes away. Provide adequate ventilation when charging or
using batteries in an enclosed space.
The battery contains sulfuric acid (electrolyte). Contact with
skin or eyes may cause severe burns. Wear protective clothing
and a face shield.

-

If electrolyte gets on your skin, flush with water.

-

If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush with water for at least 15
minutes and call a physician immediately.

Electrolyte is poisonous.

-

If swallowed, drink large quantities of water or milk and
follow with milk of magnesia or vegetable oil and call a
physician immediately.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Use only distilled water in the battery. Tap water will shorten
the service life of the battery.
Filling the battery above the UPPER LEVEL line may cause the
electrolyte to overflow, resulting in corrosion to engine or
nearby parts. Immediately wash off any spilled electrolyte.
Be careful not to connect the battery in reverse polarity, as this
will short circuit the battery charging system and trip the circuit
breaker.

5

PRE-OPERATION CHECK

Engine oil level

1.

Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious
engine damage.
Be sure to check the engine on a level surface with the engine
stopped.

Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean.

1.
Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in.

2.
If the level is low, fill to the top of the oil filler neck with the

3.
recommended oil.

Use Honda 4-stroke, or an equivalent
high detergent, premium quality mo­tor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S.
automobile manufacturer’s require­ments for service classification SG, SF.
Motor oils classified SG, SF will show
this designation on the container.
SAE 10W-30 is recommended for gen­eral, all temperature use. If single vis­cosity oil is used, select the appropri­ate viscosity for the average tempera­ture in your area.

Using nondetergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil could shorten the
engine’s service life.

OIL FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK

Ambient temperature

SINGLE VISCOSITY
MULTI VISCOSITY

UPPER OIL LEVEL

6

Reduction gear oil

2. (where equipped)

Check reduction gear oil level.
Fill with SG, SF rated engine oil, if necessary.

〈〉

1/2 reduction with automatic centrifugal clutch

Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean.

1.
Insert the dipstick into the filler neck but do not screw it in.

2.
If the level is low, fill to the upper level mark with the same oil

3.
recommended for the engine (see engine oil recommendations
on page ).

6

Oil capacity:

(0.32 US qt , 0.26 Imp qt)

0.30

UPPER LEVEL

7

3.

Air cleaner

Never run the engine without the air
cleaner. Rapid engine wear will result.

Dual element type

〈〉

1.

Check the air cleaner elements to be
sure they are clean and in good con­dition.

2.

Clean or replace the elements if
necessary (page ).

Cyclone type

〈〉

Check cleaner for dirt or obstruction

1.

21

ELEMENTS

of elements.
Check the cyclone housing for any

2.
dirt build-up, clean it, if necessary
(page ).

22

(Silent type only)

CYCLONE
HOUSING

8

ELEMENTS

Semi-dry type

〈〉

Check cleaner for dirt or obstruction of element (page ).

ELEMENT

Oil bath type

〈〉

Check the air cleaner element to be sure it is clean and in good

1.
condition. Clean or replace the element if necessary (page ).
Check oil level and condition.

2.

23

23

Never run the engine without the air cleaner. Rapid engine wear
will result.

ELEMENT (Foam)

OIL LEVEL

ELEMENT(Steel)

9

4.

Fuel

Use automotive gasoline (Unleaded or lowleaded is preferred to
minimize combustion chamber deposits).
FOR NEW SOUTH WALES ONLY:
Use unleaded fuel only.
Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Avoid getting
dirt, dust or water in the fuel tank.

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.

Fuel tank capacity:

GX240 GX270…
GX340 GX390…

5.9

(1.56 US gal , 1.30 Imp gal)

6.5

(1.72 US gal , 1.43 Imp gal)

10

GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL

If you decide to use a gasoline 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,
and the 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.

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
methanolsince evidence of their suitabilityis as yet incomplete.
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.

11

STARTING THE ENGINE

Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.

1.

FUEL VALVE

ON

Move the choke lever to the CLOSED position.

2.

Do not use the choke if the engine is warm or the air temperature
is high.

CHOKE LEVER

CLOSE

CLOSE

ON

12

3.

Move the throttle control lever slightly to the left.

HIGH LOW

THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER

4.

Start the engine.
With recoil starter:
Turn the engine switch to the ON position.

ENGINE SWITCH

ON

ON

ON

ON

13

Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, then pull briskly.

Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine.
Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.

STARTER GRIP

With electric starter (where equipped):
Turn the engine switch to the START position and hold it there
until the engine starts.

Do not use the electric starter for more than 5 seconds at a time. If
the engine fails to start, release the key and wait 10 seconds
before operating the starter again.

When the engine starts, return the switch to the ON position.

START

ENGINE SWITCH

14

High altitude operation

At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be ex­cessively rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption
will increase.

High altitude performance can be improved by specific modifica­tions to the carburetor. If you always operate the engine at
altitudes higher than 1,830 m (6,000 feet) above sea level, have
your authorized Honda dealer perform these carburetor modifi­cations.

Even with suitable carburetor jetting, engine horsepower will
decrease approximately 3.5% for each 305 m (1,000 feet) increase
in altitude. The affect of altitude on horsepower will be greater
than this if no carburetor modification is made.

Operation of the engine at an altitude lower than the carburetor is
jetted for may result in reduced performance, overheating, and
serious engine damage caused by an excessively lean air/fuel
mixture.

15

OPERATION

As the engine warms up, gradually move the choke lever to the

1.
OPEN position.

CHOKE LEVER

OPEN

OOPPEENN

Positionthe throttle control lever for the desired engine speed.

2.

THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER

16

LOWHIGH

Oil alert system

The Oil Alert System is designed to prevent engine damage
caused 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 System will automatically stop the engine (the engine switch
will remain in the ON position).

If the engine stops and will not restart, check the engine oil level
(page ) before troubleshooting in other areas.

6

Circuit breaker (for electric starter)

The circuit breaker protects the battery charging circuit. A short
circuit or a battery connected in reverse polarity will trip the circuit
breaker.

The green indicator inside the circuit breaker will pop out to show
that the circuit breaker has switched off. If this occurs, determine
the cause of the problem, and correct it before resetting the circuit
breaker.

Push the circuit breaker button to reset.

(where equipped)

CIRCUIT BREAKER

ON

OFF

17

STOPPING THE ENGINE

To stop the engine in an emergency, turn the engine switch to the
OFF position. Under normal conditions, use the following
procedure:

Move the throttle control lever fully to the right.

1.

THROTTLE LEVER

LOW

Turn the engine switch to the OFF position.

2.

ENGINE SWITCH

OFF

OFF

Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.

3.

OFF

FUEL VALVE

18

OFF

OOFFFF

OFF

MAINTENANCE

Shut off the engine before performing any maintenance.
To prevent accidental start-up, turn OFF the engine switch and
disconnect the spark plug cap.
The engine should be serviced by an authorized Honda dealer
unless the owner has proper tools and service data and feels he
is mechanically qualified.

Use only genuine Honda parts or their equivalent. The use of
replacement parts which are not of equivalent quality may
damage the engine.

Periodic inspection and adjustment of the Honda engine is
essential if high level performance is to be maintained. Regular
maintenance will also ensure a long service life. The required
service intervals and the kind of maintenance to be performed are
described on the table below.

Maintenance Schedule

REGULAR SERVICE PERIOD
Performed at every indicated month or
operating hour interval, whichever comes first.

ITEM
Engine oil

Reduction gear oil
(applicable models only)
Air cleaner

Sediment cup
Spark plug
Spark arrester
(optional part)
Valve clearance
Fuel tank and strainer
Fuel line

(1):

Service more frequently when used in dusty areas.

(2):

These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda dealer, unless the owner has
the proper tools and is mechanically proficient. See theHonda Shop Manual.

Check level
Change
Check level
Change
Check
Clean
Clean
Check Clean

−

Clean

Check Adjust

−

Clean
Check
(Replaceif necessary)

Each use

First

month

or

20 Hrs.

Every 2 years(2)

Every

3 month

or

50 Hrs.

(1)

6 month

100 Hrs.

Every

or

Every

year

or

300 Hrs.

(2)
(2)

19

Oil change

1.

Drain the oil while the engine is still warm to assure rapid and
complete draining.

1.

Remove the oil filler cap and drain plug to drain the oil.

2.

Install the drain plug, and tighten it securely.

3.

Refill with the recommended oil (see page ) and check the oil

6

level.

4.

Install the oil filler cap.

ENGINE OIL CAPACITY:

(1.16 US qt , 0.97 Imp qt)

1.10

1/2 REDUCTION GEAR OIL CAPACITY:

0.30

(0.32 US qt , 0.26 Imp qt)

[ENGINE OIL]

DRAIN PLUG

LEVELOIL FILLER CAP

[REDUCTION GEAR OIL]

OIL FILLER CAP

DRAIN PLUG

Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact
with the skin for prolonged periods. Although this is unlikely
unless you handle used oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable to
thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water as soon as
possible after handling used oil.

Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner that is compatible
with the environment. We suggest you take it in a sealed container
to your local service station for reclamation. Do not throw it in the
trash, pour it on the ground, or down a drain.

20

Air cleaner service

2.

A dirty air cleaner will restrict air flow to the carburetor. To prevent
carburetor malfunction, service the air cleaner regularly. Service
more frequently when operating the engine in extremely dusty
areas.

Never use gasoline or low flash point solvents for cleaning the air
cleaner element. A fire or explosion could result.

Never run the engine without the air cleaner. Rapid engine wear
will result.

Dual element type

〈〉

Remove the wing nut and the air

1.
claner cover. Remove the elements

AIR CLEANER
COVER

and separate them. Carefully check
both elements for holes or tears and
replace if damaged.
Foam element: Wash the element in

2.
a solution of household detergent
and warm water, then rinse thor­oughly, or wash in nonflammable or
high flash point solvent. Allow the el­ement to dry thoroughly.
Soak the element in clean engine oil

PAPER
ELEMENT

FORM
ELEMENT

and squeeze out the excess oil. The
engine will smoke during initial
start-up if too much oil is left in the
foam.

Paper element: Tap the element

3.

(Silent type only)

lightly several times on a hard sur­face to remove excess dirt, or blow
compressed air through the filter
from the inside out. Never try to
brush the dirt off; brushing will force
dirt into the fibers. Replace the pa­per element if it is excessively dirty.

21

〈〉

Cyclone type

Remove the wing nut and the

1.
air cleaner cover. Remove the
elements and separate them.
Carefully check both elements
for holes or tears and replace if
damaged.
Foam element: Clean in warm

2.
soapy water, rince and allow to
dry thoroughly. Or clean in high
flash-point solvent and allow to
dry. Dip the element in clean
engine oil and squeeze out all
the excess. The engine will
smoke during initial start-up if
too much oil is felt in the foam.
Paper element: Tap the element

3.
lightly several times on a hard
surface to remove excess dirt,
or blow compressed air through
the filter from the inside out.
Never try to brush the dirt off;
brushing will force dirt into the
fibers. Replace the paper ele­ment if it is excessively dirty.
(Cleaning the cyclone housing)

When the cyclone housing

1.
becomes dirty, unscrew the
three special pan screws and
wipe or wash the components
with water. Next, thoroughly
dry the components and
carefully reassemble them.

AIR
CLEANER COVER

PRE-CLEANER CAP

SPECIAL PAN
SCREW (3)

AIR GUIDE

GROOVE

CYCLONE
HOUSING

TAB

PAPER
ELEMENT

FOAM
ELEMENT

When reinstalling the cyclone, ensure that the tab on the air
intake fits properly into the groove in the pre-cleaner cap.
Be careful to install the air guide in the proper direction.

22

〈〉

Semi-dry type

Unscrew the wing nut, remove the

1.
air cleaner cover and remove the
element.
Wash the element in a non-

2.
flammable or high flash point
solvent and dry it thoroughly.
Soak the element in clean engine oil

3.
and squeeze out the excess oil.
Reinstall the air cleaner element and

4.
the cover.

AIR CLEANER
COVER

〈〉

Oil bath type

Unscrew the wing nut, remove the

1.
air cleaner cover and remove the
element.
Wash the element in a solution of

2.
household detergent and warm
water, then rinse thoroughly, or
wash in nonflammable or high flash
point solvent. Allow the element to
dry thoroughly.
Soak the element in clean engine oil

3.
and squeeze out the excess oil. The
engine will smoke during intial start­up if too much oil is left in the
element.
Empty the oil from the air cleaner

4.
case and wash out any accumulated
dirt with nonflammable or high flash
point solvent. Dry the case.
Fill the air cleaner case to the level

5.
mark with the same oil that is recom­mended for the engine (see engine
oil recommendations on page ).
Reinstall the element and the cover.

6.

Oil capacity: GX240 GX270 …

GX340 GX390 …

0.06

0.08

23

ELEMENT

AIR CLEANER
COVER

ELEMENT
(Foam)

6

(0.06 US qt , 0.05 Imp qt)
(0.08 US qt , 0.07 Imp qt)

ELEMENT
(Steelwool)

OIL
LEVEL

Sediment cup cleaning

3.

Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain
conditions. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area.
After installing the sediment cup, check for leaks, and make
sure the area is dry before starting the engine.

Turn the fuel valve to OFF. Remove the sediment cup and O-ring,
and wash them in nonflammable or high flash point solvent. Dry
them thoroughly and reinstall securely. Turn the fuel valve ON and
check for leaks.

O-RING

SEDIMENT CUP

Spark plug service

4.

Recommended spark plug:

BPR6ES (NGK)
W20EPR-U (DENSO)

Never use a spark plug of incorrect heat range.

To ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug must be
properly gapped and free of deposits.

Remove the spark plug cap and use the proper size spark plug

1.
wrench to remove the spark plug.

If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Be
careful not to touch the muffler.

SPARK PLUG WRENCH

24

Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard the spark plug if there is

2.
apparent wear, or if the insulator is cracked or chipped. Clean
the spark plug with a wire brush if it is to be reused.
Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. Correct as necessary

3.
by bending the side electrode.
The gap should be:

−−

0.70 0.80 mm (0.028 0.031 in)

−

0.70 0.80 mm

−

(0.028 0.031 in)

Check that the spark plug washer is in good condition and

4.
thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading.
After the spark plug is seated, tighten with a spark plug wrench

5.
to compress the washer.

When installing a new spark plug, tighten 1/2 turn after the spark
plug seats to compress the washer. When reinstallinga used spark
plug, tighten 1/8 1/4 turn after the spark plug seats to compress

−

the washer.

The spark plug must be securely tightened. An improperly
tightened spark plug can become very hot and may damage the
engine.

25

Spark arrester maintenance (optional part)

5.

If the engine has been running, the muffler will be very hot. Allow
it to cool before proceeding.

The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to maintain
its efficiency.

Remove the two 8 mm nuts and remove the muffler from the

1.
cylinder.
Remove the three 4 mm screws from the exhaust deflector, and

2.
remove the deflector.
Remove the four 5 mm screws from the muffler protector, and

3.
remove the muffler protector.
Remove the 4 mm screw from the spark arrester, and remove

4.
the spark arrester from the muffler.

5 mm SCREWS

MUFFLER PROTECTOR

4 mm SCREWS

SPARK
ARRESTER

8 mm NUTS

Use a brush to remove carbon deposits from the spark arrester

5.

EXHAUST DEFLECTOR

4 mm SCREW

SPARK ARRESTER

screen.

Be careful not to damage the spark arrester screen.

SPARK ARRESTER
SCREEN

The spark arrester must be free of breaks and holes. Replace, if
necessary.

Install the spark arrester and the muffler in the reverse order of

6.
disassembly.

26

Carburetor idle speed adjustment

6.

Start the engine and allow it to warm up to normal operating

1.
temperature.
With the engine idling, turn the throttle stop screw to obtain the

2.
standardidle speed.

Standard idle speed:

1,400 150rpm.

±

THROTTLE STOP SCREW

27

THROTTLE AND CHOKE CONTROL
CABLE
(optional part)

The throttle and choke control levers are provided with holes for
optional cable attachment. The following illustrations show
installation examples for a solid wire cable and for a braided wire
cable. If using a braided wire cable, add a return spring as shown.
It is necessary to loosen the throttle lever friction nut when
operating the throttle with a remote cable.

[Remote throttle]

RETURN SPRING

THROTTLE LEVER
FRICTION NUT

BRAIDED
WIRE CABLE

4 mm SCREW

SOLID
WIRE CABLE

[Remote choke]

5mm
CIRCLIP

WIRE HOLDER

THROTTLE
LEVER

WIRE HOLDER

28

OPTIONAL
PARTS

CHOKE LEVER

TRANSPORTING/STORAGE

When transporting the engine, turn the fuel valve OFF and keep
the engine level to prevent fuel spillage. Fuel vapor or spilled fuel
may ignite.

Before storing the unit for an extended period;

1.

Be sure the storage area is free of excessive humidity and dust.

2.

Drain the fuel...

Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain
conditions. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area.

With the fuel valve in the OFF position, remove and empty the

a.

sediment cup.
Turn the fuel valve to the ON position and drain the gasoline

b.

from the fuel tank into a suitable container.
Replace the sediment cup and tighten securely.

c.

Drain the carburetor by loosening the drain screw. Drain the

d.

gasoline into a suitable container.

Change the engine oil (page 19 ).

3.
Remove the spark plug and pour about a

4.
tablespoon of clean engine oil into the cyl­inder.
Crank the engine several revolutions to dis-

5.
tribute the oil, then reinstall the spark plug.
Pull the starter rope slowly until resistance
is felt. Continue pulling until the notch on
the starter pulley aligns with the hole on
the recoil stater (see illustration below). At
this point, the intake and exhaust valves
are closed, and this will help to protect the
engine from internal corrosion.

Align the mark on the
starter pulley with the hole
at the top of recoil starter.

SEDIMENT CUP

DRAIN SCREW

Electric starter type: Remove the battery and store it in a cool,

6.
dry place. Recharge it once a month.
Cover the engine to keep out dust.

7.

29

TROUBLESHOOTING

Engine will not start using recoil starter:

Is the engine switch in the ON position?

1.
Is there enough oil in the engine?

2.
Is the fuel valve ON?

3.
Is there fuel in the fuel tank?

4.
Is gasoline reaching the carburetor?

5.
To check, loosen the drain screw with the fuel valve ON.

If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before testing the
spark plug or starting the engine. Fuel vapor or spilled fuel may
ignite.

DRAIN SCREW

Is there a spark at the spark plug?

6.

Remove the spark plug cap. Clean any dirt from around the

a.

spark plug base, then remove the spark plug.
Install the spark plug in the plug cap.

b.

Turn the engine switch ON.

c.

Grounding the side electrode to any engine ground, pull the

d.

recoil starter to see if sparks jump across the gap.
If there is no spark, replace the plug.

e.

If OK, reinstall the spark plug and try to start the engine again
accordingto the instructions.

If the engine still does not start, take the engine to an authorized

7.
Honda dealer.

Engine will not start, using electric starter:

Are the battery cables securely connected and free of corrosion?

1.
Is the battery fully charged?

2.

If the engine does not charge the battery, check the circuit breaker.

If the starter motor operates, but the engine wil not start, follow

3.
the trobuleshooting procedure described under recoil starter
operation.

30

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions
Power equipment
description code

Length

Width

Height

Dry weight

Engine

Engine type
Displacement
Bore Stroke

×

Max. output
Max. torque

Fuel consumption
Coolingsystem
Ignition system
PTO shaft rotation

Specifications may vary according to the types, and are subject to
change without notice.

73x58mm(2.9x2.3in) 77x58mm(3.0x2.3in)

GX240 GX270

GC04 GCAB

360 mm (14.2 in)
420 mm (16.5 in)
410 mm (16.1 in)

23.5 kg (51.8 lbs)

4-stroke,over head valve, 1 cylinder

242 cm (14.8 cu-in)

1.7 kg-m (12.29 ft-lb)
/2,500 rpm

Transistor magneto

Counterclockwise

270 cm

9.0 HP/3,600 rpm8.0 HP/3,600 rpm

1.95 kg-m (14.1 ft-lb)
/2,500 rpm

230 g/PSh
Forced air

(16.5 cu-in)

31

Dimensions
Power equipment
description code

Length

Width

Height

Dry weight

Engine

Engine type
Displacement
Bore Stroke

×

Max. output
Max. torque

Fuel consumption
Coolingsystem
Ignition system
PTO shaft rotation

Specifications may vary according to the types, and are subject to
change without notice.

82x64mm(3.2x2.5in) 88x64mm(3.5x2.5in)

GX340 GX390

GC05 GCAA

390 mm (15.4 in)
450 mm (17.7 in)
435 mm (17.1 in)

31 kg (68 lbs)

4-stroke,over head valve, 1 cylinder

337 cm

11.0 HP/3,600 rpm 13.0 HP/3,600 rpm

2.4 kg-m (17.36 ft-lb)
/2,500 rpm

(20.6 cu-in) 389 cm (23.7 cu-in)

2.7 kg-m (19.5 ft-lb)/
2,500 rpm

230 g/PSh

Forced air

Transistor magneto

Counterclockwise

32

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33