Honda Power Equipment GS190 User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

GS190

 WARNING: 

The engine exhaust from this product

contains chemicals known to the State

of California to cause cancer, birth

defects or other reproductive harm.

31Z2CA00
00X31-Z2C-A000

CONTENTS

EM3

IPC

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

POM53639

10,000.2003.11

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing a Honda engine. We want to help you to get
the best results from your new engine and to operate it safely. This
manual contains information on how to do that; please read it carefully
before operating the engine. If a problem should arise, or if you have
any questions about your engine, consult an authorized Honda
servicing dealer.

All information in this publication is based on the latest product
information available at the time of printing. American Honda Motor
Co., Inc. 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 the engine if resold.

Review the instructions provided with the equipment powered by this
engine for any additional information regarding engine startup,
shutdown, operation, adjustments or any special maintenance
instructions.

SAFETY MESSAGES

Your safety and the safety of others is very important. We have
provided important safety messages in this manual and on the engine.
Please read these messages carefully.

A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or
others. Each safety message is preceded by a safety alert symbol
and one of three words, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.

These signal words mean:

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY

DANGER

HURT if you don't follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY

WARNING

HURT if you don't follow instructions.



INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

SAFETY MESSAGES . . . . . . . . . 1

COMPONENT & CONTROL

LOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

IS YOUR ENGINE

READY TO GO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Safe Operating

Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Type 1 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Type 2 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Type 3 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Oil Alert

SERVICING YOUR ENGINE . . . . . 4

The Importance of

Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Maintenance Safety . . . . . . . . . 4

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . 4

Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 5

Refueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Fuel Recommendations . . . . . . 5

ENGINE OIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Recommended Oil. . . . . . . . . . . 5

Oil Level Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Oil Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

AIR CLEANER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Spark Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Spark Arrester . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

®

System . . . . . . . . . . . 4

HELPFUL TIPS &

SUGGESTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Storing Your Engine . . . . . . . . . 7

Transporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED

PROBLEMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER

INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Serial Number and Type

Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

High Altitude Operation . . . . . . 9

Oxygenated Fuels . . . . . . . . . . 9

Emission Control System

Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Air Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Tuneup Specifications . . . . . . 10

Quick Reference Information . 11

Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

CONSUMER INFORMATION . . . 11

Honda Publications. . . . . . . . . 11

U.S.A. Distributor’s Limited

Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

International Warranty . . . . . . 11

Emission Control System

Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Distributor/Dealer Locator

Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Customer Service

Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

CAUTION

instructions.

Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and
what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.

DAMAGE PREVENTION MESSAGES

You CAN be HURT if you don't follow

You will also see other important messages that are preceded by the
word NOTICE.

This word means:

NOTICE

Your engine or other property can be
damaged if you don’t follow instructions.

The purpose of these messages is to help prevent damage to your
engine, other property, or the environment.

SAFETY INFORMATION

• Understand the operation of all controls and learn how to stop the
engine quickly in case of emergency. Make sure the operator
receives adequate instruction before operating the equipment.

• Your engine’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide. Do not
run the engine without adequate ventilation, and never run the
engine indoors.

• The engine and exhaust become very hot during operation. Keep
the engine at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from buildings and other
equipment during operation. Keep flammable materials away, and
do not place anything on the engine while it is running.

© 2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved

1

COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATION BEFORE OPERATION CHECKS

IS YOUR ENGINE READY TO GO?

MUFFLER

MUFFLER
DEFLECTOR
(optional)

AIR
CLEANER

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.

 WARNING

Improperly maintaining this engine, or failure to correct a

OIL FILLER CAP/

OIL DRAIN
BOLT

FUEL
FILLER
CAP

FUEL
TANK

ENGINE CONTROL TYPES

TYPE 1: MANUAL THROTTLE / MANUAL CHOKE

CHOKE ROD

THROTTLE
LEVER (gray)

Used on engines with
an adjustable throttle
lever.

TYPE 2: FIXED THROTTLE / IGNITION SWITCH LEVER / MANUAL CHOKE

DIPSTICK

SPARK PLUG

STARTER
GRIP

problem before operation, can cause a malfunction in
which you can be seriously hurt or killed.

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 throttle lever (ignition switch lever or engine stop switch) is in
the STOP position.

Always check the following items before you start the engine:

1. Fuel level (see page 5).

2. Oil level (see page 5).

The Oil Alert

®

system (applicable engine types) will automatically
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.

3. Air cleaner (see page 6).

4. General inspection: Check for fluid leaks and loose or damaged
parts.

5. 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.

OPERATION

SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS

Before operating the engine for the first time, please review the

SAFETY INFORMATION section on page 1 and the BEFORE
OPERATION CHECKS above.

CHOKE ROD

IGNITION SWITCH
LEVER (red)

Used on engines with a
non-adjustable throttle
lever.

TYPE 3: FIXED THROTTLE / ENGINE STOP SWITCH / MANUAL CHOKE

ENGINE
STOP
SWITCH

CHOKE ROD

 WARNING

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.

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

TYPE 1: MANUAL THROTTLE / MANUAL CHOKE

Starting A Cold Engine

1. Pull the choke rod to the
CLOSED position.

2

CHOKE ROD

2. Move the throttle lever (gray)
away from the SLOW

THROTTLE
LEVER (gray)

position, about 1/3 of the way
toward the FAST position.

Some engine applications

FAST

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

SLOW

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

NOTICE

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

STARTER GRIP

4. If the choke rod was pulled to the CLOSED position to start the
engine, push it to the OPEN position as soon as the engine warms
up enough to run smoothly.

Throttle Setting

Position the throttle control lever
(gray) for the desired engine

FAST

speed. For best engine
performance, it is recommended
the engine be operated with the
throttle in the FAST (or high)
position.

SLOW

THROTTLE
LEVER (gray)

Starting a Warm Engine

If the engine has run out of fuel, pull the choke rod to the CLOSED
position after refueling. If the engine has not run out of fuel, leave the
choke rod in the OPEN position.

1. Place the throttle lever in the FAST position.

2. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly.

Stopping The Engine

1. Move the throttle lever (gray)
to the SLOW position.

2. Allow the engine to idle for a
few seconds, then move the

THROTTLE
LEVER (gray)

FAST

throttle lever to the STOP
position.

TYPE 2: FIXED THROTTLE / IGNITION SWITCH LEVER / MANUAL CHOKE

Starting A Cold Engine

1. Pull the choke rod to the
CLOSED position.

2. Move the ignition switch lever
(red) to the ON position.

Some engine applications use
a remotely-mounted ignition
switch rather than the engine­mounted ignition switch lever
shown here.

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

NOTICE

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

4. If the choke rod was pulled to the CLOSED position to start the
engine, push it to the OPEN position as soon as the engine warms
up enough to run smoothly.

5. The engine speed is preset on this type.

Starting a Warm Engine

If the engine has run out of fuel, pull the choke rod to the CLOSED
position after refueling. If the engine has not run out of fuel, leave the
choke rod in the OPEN position.

1. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly.

2. If the choke was pulled to the CLOSED position to start, push it to
the OPEN position as soon as the engine starts.

Stopping The Engine

Move the ignition switch lever
(red) to the OFF position.

CHOKE ROD

IGNITION SWITCH
LEVER (red)

STARTER GRIP

ON

STOP

OFF

3

TYPE 3: FIXED THROTTLE / ENGINE STOP SWITCH / MANUAL CHOKE

Starting A Cold Engine

1. Pull the choke rod to the
CLOSED position.

2. Move the engine stop switch
to the ON position.

Some engine applications
use a remotely-mounted
ignition switch rather than the
engine-mounted engine stop
switch shown here.

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

CHOKE ROD

ENGINE
STOP
SWITCH

OFF

ON

SERVICING YOUR ENGINE

THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE

Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical and trouble-free
operation. It will also help reduce pollution.

 WARNING

Improper maintenance, or failure to correct a problem
before operation, can cause a malfunction in which you
can be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the inspection and maintenance
recommendations and schedules in this owner’s manual.

To help you properly care for your engine, the following pages include
a maintenance schedule, routine inspection procedures, and simple
maintenance procedures using basic hand tools. Other service tasks
that are more difficult, or require special tools, are best handled by
professionals and are normally performed by a Honda technician or
other qualified mechanic.

The maintenance schedule applies to normal operating conditions. If
you operate your engine under severe conditions, such as sustained
high-load or high-temperature operation, or use in unusually wet or
dusty conditions, consult your servicing dealer for recommendations
applicable to your individual needs and use.

Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed by any engine repair
establishment or individual, using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.

NOTICE

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

4. If the choke rod was pulled to
the CLOSED position to start
the engine, push it to the OPEN
position as soon as the engine
warms up enough to run
smoothly.

5. The engine speed is preset on this type.

Starting a Warm Engine

If the engine has run out of fuel, pull the choke rod to the CLOSED
position after refueling. If the engine has not run out of fuel, leave the
choke rod in the OPEN position.

1. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly.

2. If the choke was pulled to the CLOSED position to start, push it to
the OPEN position as soon as the engine starts.

Stopping The Engine

Move the engine stop switch to the OFF position.

OIL ALERT

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 throttle lever (ignition switch lever)
will remain in a run position].

If the engine stops and will not restart, check the engine oil level
(page 5) before troubleshooting in other areas.

®

SYSTEM

STARTER GRIP

MAINTENANCE SAFETY

Some of the most important safety precautions follow. However, we
cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you

should perform a given task.

 WARNING

Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the procedures and precautions in this
owner’s manual.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Make sure the engine is off before you begin any maintenance or
repairs. This will eliminate several potential hazards:

– Carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust.

Be sure there is adequate ventilation whenever you operate
the engine.

– Burns from hot parts.

Let the engine and exhaust system cool before touching.

– Injury from moving parts.

Do not run the engine unless instructed to do so.

• Read the instructions before you begin, and make sure you have
the tools and skills required.

• To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, be careful when
working around gasoline. Use only a nonflammable solvent, not
gasoline, to clean parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks and flames away
from all fuel related parts.

Remember that an authorized Honda servicing dealer knows your
engine best and is fully equipped to maintain and repair it.
To ensure the best quality and reliability, use only new genuine Honda
parts or their equivalents for repair and replacement.

4

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

or

50

hours

Every 6
months

hours

REGULAR SERVICE PERIOD (3)

Perform at every indicated

Item

month or operating hour
interval, which ever comes first.

Engine oil

Air cleaner

Spark plug

Spark arrester
(optional parts)

Idle speed Check-adjust O(2)

Valve clearance Check-Adjust O(2)

Combustion chamber Clean Every 250 hours (2) —

Fuel tank and filter Clean O(2)

Fuel tube Check Every 2 years (Replace if necessary) (2)

Check level O5

Change OO5

Check O

Replace O (*)

Check-adjust O

Replace O

Clean O7

Before

each

use

First

month

or
20

hours

months

Every 3

(*) Replace paper element type only.
(1) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas.
(2) These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda servicing

dealer, unless you have the proper tools and are mechanically
proficient. Refer to the Honda shop manual for service
procedures.

(3) For commercial use, log hours of operation to determine proper

maintenance intervals.

or

100

Every

year

or

200

hours

Page

6Clean O (1)

6

Shop

manual

Shop

manual

Shop

manual

Shop

manual

REFUELING

Use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. This
engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline. Unleaded gasoline
produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends exhaust
system life.

 WARNING

Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive, and you can
be burned or seriously injured when refueling.

• Stop engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.

• Refuel only outdoors.

• Wipe up spills immediately.

NOTICE

Fuel can damage paint and some types of plastic. Be careful not to
spill fuel when filling your fuel tank. Damage caused by spilled fuel is
not covered under the Distributor’s Limited Warranty (see page 11).

Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or oil/gasoline mixture.
Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.

1. Remove the fuel tank
cap.

2. Add fuel to the bottom
of the fuel level limit in
the neck of the fuel
tank. Do not overfill.
Wipe up spilled fuel
before starting the
engine.

Fuel tank capacity: 0.53 gal (2.0 l)

FUEL
LEVEL
MARK

MAXIMUM
FUEL LEVEL

ENGINE OIL

Recommended Oil

Use 4-stroke motor oil that meets
or exceeds the requirements for
API service classification SH, SJ,
or equivalent. Always check the
API service label on the oil
container to be sure it includes the
letters SH, SJ, or equivalent.

AMBIENT TEMPERATURE

SAE 10W-30 is recommended for general use. Other viscosities
shown in the chart may be used when the average temperature in your
area is within the indicated range.

Oil Level Check

1. Check the oil with the engine stopped and level.

2. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.

3. Insert the oil filler cap/dipstick into the oil filler neck as shown, but
do not screw it in, then remove it to check the oil level.

4. If the oil level is near or below the lower limit mark on the dipstick,
remove the oil filler cap/dipstick, and fill with the recommended oil
to the upper limit mark (bottom edge of the oil fill hole). Do not
overfill.

5. Reinstall the oil filler cap/dipstick.

OIL FILLER CAP/
DIPSTICK

OIL FILL HOLE
(bottom edge)

UPPER LIMIT

LOWER LIMIT

Oil Change

Drain the engine oil when the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly
and completely.

1. Place a suitable container
next to the engine to catch
the used oil

2. Remove the oil filler cap/
dipstick and the oil drain
plug.

3. Allow the used oil to drain
completely, then reinstall
the drain plug and washer.
Tighten the drain plug
securely.

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

4. With the engine in a level position, fill to the upper limit mark
(bottom edge of the oil fill hole) on the dipstick with the
recommended oil (see page 5).

Engine Oil Capacity: 0.61 qt (0.58 )

NOTICE

Running the engine with a low oil level can cause engine damage.

5. Reinstall the oil filler cap/dipstick securely.

WASHER

OIL FILLER
CAP/
DIPSTICK

DRAIN
PLUG

5