Honda Power Equipment GCV135, GCV160 User Manual

GCV135·GCV160

SERIAL NUMBER AND ENGINE TYPE

OWNER’S MANUAL

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. 2001

1

Thank you for purchasing a Honda engine.

This manual covers the operation and maintenance of your engine:
GCV135·GCV160

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.

−

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

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 15° from horizontal. Operating at excessive angles may
result in fuel spillage.
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 INDICATION LOCATION

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

READ OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATION.

4

COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

STARTER GRIP RECOIL STARTER

OIL FILLER CAP

SPARK PLUG

MUFFLER

(applicable types)

CONTROL LEVER

AIR CLEANER

FUEL VALVE

FUEL TANK CAPFLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER

FUEL TANK

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, add the recommended oil to the upper limit on

3.
the dipstick.

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, SH.
Motor oils classified SG, SH will show
this designation on the container.

TEMP

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.

SAE ViscosityGrades

SAE

AMBIENT TEMPERATURE

LOWER LIMIT

6

OIL FILLER CAP/
DIPSTICK

UPPER LIMIT

Air cleaner

2.

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

Remove the air cleaner cover and check the cleaner for dirt or
obstruction of the element (page 19 ).

ELEMENT

AIR CLEANER COVER

7

3.

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:

GCV160:

(0.24 US gal , 0.20 Imp gal)GCV135:

0.9

1.1

(0.29 US gal , 0.24 Imp gal)

UPPER LEVEL

8

FUEL FILLER
NECK

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
methanol since evidence of their suitability is 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.

9

STARTING THE ENGINE

Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.

1.

ON

FUEL VALVE

Move the control lever to the CHOKE position.

2.

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

CHOKE

CONTROL LEVER

10