Honda Engines | Why Choose a Honda Engine? (2024)

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    Why Honda?

    There are many reasons to insist on genuine Honda engines. Reasons like less down time. Lower costs of ownership. Better performance. And a whole lot more:

    Experience counts.

    As the world’s largest engine manufacturer, Honda offers more engine experience than anyone. Experience born on racetracks and roadways around the globe. Experience that keeps us on the cutting edge of engine performance technology.

    We’ve got a well-earned reputation for our engine quality and performance. When you choose a Honda engine, or a product powered by Honda, you know what you’re getting. An engine you can count on, now and in the future.

    Honda Engines | Why Choose a Honda Engine? (10)

    Superior Performance

    Better fuel efficiency. Higher power output. Quieter performance. Easier to use. No matter how you define superior engine performance, Honda engines set the standard.

    What’s our secret? Best in class engineering and technology. From our amazingly compact mini 4-stroke engines to the intelligent power of our iGX series, Honda engines are truly built like no other.

    Learn more about Honda engine technology.

    Honda Engines | Why Choose a Honda Engine? (11)

    Superior reliability and quality. Guaranteed.

    Honda sets the standard for reliable, hard-working engines. Our engines are built with high-quality components designed for optimum performance in the harshest environments.

    But don’t just take our word for it. Honda stands behind our engines with an industry-leading three year commercial warranty on all GX engines, 100cc and larger.

    Or ask a Honda engine owner. Next time you visit a rental center, see a landscape truck, or pass by a construction site, you’ll probably see a Honda GX engine-powered piece of equipment. Stop and ask them what they think of the Honda engine. Chances are they’ll tell you they wouldn’t use anything else.

    Honda Engines | Why Choose a Honda Engine? (12)

    Legendary easy starting

    Honda engines are renowned for being easy to start, consistently. From our unique automatic mechanical decompression system to heavy duty recoil ropes to more advanced variable ignition timing, our engines are designed with quick, easy starts in mind.

    Honda Engines | Why Choose a Honda Engine? (13)

    Nationwide parts and service support

    Honda understands the importance of getting you back to work quickly. Honda has a vast nationwide support network of over 14,000 dealers.

    From parts to service, Honda engine dealers are there to assist you whenever and wherever you need it. Find a Honda engine dealer.

    Honda Engines | Why Choose a Honda Engine? (14)

    Investment In America

    Nearly 75 percent of Honda power products sold in America are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts at the Honda Power Equipment Manufacturing, Inc. (HPE) facility in Swepsonville, North Carolina.

    Honda Engines | Why Choose a Honda Engine? (15)

    The superior choice for manufacturers

    Hundreds of OEMs trust Honda to power their products for instant credibility. Learn more

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    Auto Choke System

    Honda’s Auto Choke System This user-friendly system is truly automatic, eliminating any manual manipulation of levers.

    The engine starts easily whether cold or hot and is ready to use immediately. Once the engine is up and running, the Auto Choke automatically returns to an optimal operating position.

    Automatic Mechanical Decompression System

    Honda Engines | Why Choose a Honda Engine? (17)

    All engines

    Honda’s automatic mechanical decompression system is designed to give you quicker, easier starts.

    This system, which is connected to the camshaft, reduces compression by opening the exhaust valve slightly when the engine is being started. This reduces the amount of force needed to start the engine and improves starting performance.

    The system disengages automatically after the engine starts to prevent any power loss during normal operation.

    Belt-driven OHC design

    Mini 4-Stroke Series

    In addition to the milder operating noise of 4-Stroke engines in general, the Mini 4-Stroke’s belt-driven OHC design further reduces unpleasant mechanical noise. Its lighter piston and other moving parts help keep vibration to a comfortable level.

    CAN Bus Communication

    SAE J1939 CAN Bus (Controller Area Network) communication functionality provides ECU (Electronic Control Unit) connectivity with less wiring. It enables a variety of complicated electronic controls to be linked to improve operability.

    Compact combustion chamber, overhead cam design, and uniblock construction

    GC series, GS series

    A truly innovative combination of a compact combustion chamber, overhead cam configuration and uniblock construction significantly reduces fuel and oil consumption as compared to conventional side-valve engines.

    Honda’s simple design has made the GC and GS Series lighter and more compact than any engine in their class. Plus, simple construction has minimized the number of parts, making the engine more reliable and easier to operate.

    Controller Area Network

    SAE J1939 CAN Bus (Controller Area Network) communication functionality provides ECU (Electronic Control Unit) connectivity with less wiring. It enables a variety of complicated electronic controls to be linked to improve operability.

    Cycloflow™

    Honda Cycloflow™ technology enhances the air-fuel mixture and makes it easier to start the engine and idle smoothly while making it more resilient to poor quality fuel.

    New V-shaped valves and a pent-roof combustion chamber enable air in cylinder to flow more smoothly and maximizes the mixing of fuel. The longer stroke design also enhances turbulence in the cylinder, helping the mixture of air and fuel.

    Drive By Wire

    Drive-By-Wire unlike conventional models, has no throttle cable. An ECU controls a throttle motor via an electrical signal. Ideal throttle control is possible, from conventional type user-operated throttle control, to a variety of automatic control by the ECU.

    Electronic Fuel Injection

    Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), which detects the state of the engine using sensors supplies the optimum amount of fuel to the engine according to its working conditions. EFI Improves fuel economy, reduces exhaust gas, and achieves excellent usability and easy maintenance.

    Electronic Fuel Injection Starting

    Electronic Fuel Injection eliminates the need for a manual choke, making starting simple. In addition, starting is improved as the fuel is sealed within the injector and fuel hose reducing fuel deterioration, and making smooth engine startup possible even after long-term storage.

    Electronic Governor

    iGX Series

    The electronic governor minimizes governor droop. This increases available power.

    For most normal engines, available power is decreased when the engine is approaching wide open throttle.

    The iGX’s advanced electronic governor eliminates this by electronically controlling the throttle to achieve a higher effective power output.

    Engine diagnosis

    Engine diagnosis utilizes Dr. H. software, linked via USB to tablet or PC for quick repairs.

    Fuel Off

    The new integrated Fuel-Off position on the engine control allows the user to stop the flow of fuel to the engine when pressure washing is complete.

    How does it work - With the engine running and the switch placed in the Fuel-Off position, the fuel flow to the carburetor is stopped. The engine will continue to run until the majority of fuel remaining in the carburetor is consumed and the engine shuts down.

    Using the Fuel Off feature when shutting your pressure washer down helps prevent sticky carburetor buildup which makes for cleaner storage and easier future starting.

    Full 360 "any-side-up" operation

    Mini 4-Stroke Series

    The innovative design of Honda’s Mini 4-Stroke engines allows them to be used and stored in any position for full 360° usability. Upright, sideways, even upside down – the Mini 4-Strokes will still run great.

    An exclusive Honda rotary-slinger lubrication system keeps oil in a completely misted state and circulates it using pressure fluctuations generated by the movement of the piston.

    Built-in passages effectively return the circulated oil to the oil reservoir from every part of the engine. An oil return port positioned in the center of the reservoir prevents oil from accidentally flowing into the combustion chamber.

    Approximately half the operating cost of comparable 2-stroke engines

    Mini 4-Stroke Series

    Efficient 4-Stroke technology not only offers superior fuel economy, it also requires no mixing of oil in the engine’s fuel supply. This substantially reduces both oil consumption and the emission of unburned oil in the exhaust.

    The results include better all-around environmental performance and operating costs that actually decrease the more the engine is used!

    Hemispherical Combustion Chamber

    V-twin Series

    Honda’s hemispherical combustion chamber was inspired by our proven racing technology. It offers the highest V-Twin compression ratio on the market.

    The power is transmitted through forged-steel connecting rods and a forged-steel crankshaft, supported by a full-pressure lubrication system.

    • 9.3:1 compression ratio generates tremendous power.
    • Excellent combustion efficiency.
    • Allows a radial configuration to create high volumetric efficiency.
    • Places the spark plug near the center of the chamber for optimal flame travel.

    This means increased engine efficiency and more power to your application.

    High Capacity Oil Pump

    V-Twin Series

    The lubrication system uses a high capacity pump with discrete chambers. This facilitates consistent oil delivery.

    The high output oil pump offers numerous benefits:

    • Twice the capacity of the previous model
    • Redesigned pump cover and sealing system ensure engine reliability
    • Full pressure lubrication to the flywheel, PTO, and connecting-rod bearings

    The result?

    • Reduced friction
    • Extended engine life
    • Less mechanical engine noise

    Integrated Cylinder and Head

    V-twin Series

    The idea of integrating the cylinder & head into one unit is radical. Radically smart. It eliminates the head gasket, head bolts, and allows for more airflow and better cooling.

    Speaking of cooling, improved cooling means better combustion management. Cooling is also improved by each of the lightweight aluminum pushrods being housed in a separate tube to achieve enhanced airflow.

    When you put it all together (with fewer parts) you get an engine with reduced emissions and greater-than-ever durability.

    Integrated ECU (electronic control unit) with a self-tuning regulator (STR) governor

    iGX Series

    Honda iGX engines feature an integrated ECU (electronic control unit) with a self-tuning regulator (STR) governor system.

    The innovative ECU monitors and controls engine functions including Throttle, Choke, Ignition Timing, and Oil Alert. On some models, it also offers programmable governor and throttle modes for unprecedented flexibility. A diagnostic LED helps with trouble shooting. Stepper motors precisely control throttle and choke position.

    This allows the engine to communicate with the machine it is powering.

    • Operation is automated
    • Control becomes surer, faster and easier.
    • Enables drive-by-wire remote control operation of the engine, regulating functions such as starting, throttle, ignition timing and diagnostics.
    • Engine speed can be programmed and varied based on the equipment application's load and speed requirement.
    • Easier for inexperienced users to operate
    • Easily maintained - Ideal for rental applications

    LED indicator

    Control panel mounted LED indicator informs the user about potential problems using 10 different trouble codes. The indicator is designed to stop the engine, or alert the operator of potential issues, helping to protect and extend engine life.

    Lifetime Timing Belt Design

    GC series, GS series

    Honda’s GC and GS engines use the world’s first small engine internal timing belt, designed to last the lifetime of the engine.

    Small engine timing belts are usually external and are subject to wear caused by dirt. Honda’s internal timing belt runs in oil, eliminating the need for conventional drive gears.

    This design:

    • Improves lubrication,
    • Reduces the weight of the engine, and
    • Provides quieter operation.

    Oil Alert

    GX series, V-twin series, iGX series

    Honda’s Oil Alert system helps to prevent engine seizure due to a low oil condition.

    The system consists of an oil level sensor inside the crankcase. When the oil reaches a level that is too low for safe operation, the engine warns you or stops automatically.

    Over Head Valve

    Honda’s All-New GCV pressure washer engines offer an overhead valve (OHV) layout. The OHV design, new V-shaped valves and a pent-roof shape of combustion chamber enable air in cylinder to flow more smoothly increasing combustion efficiency, allowing for higher compression ratios and greater power output.

    The OHV layout, with enhanced valve positioning and combustion chamber, the new GCV170 pumps out an increase in torque of 18 percent and a nine percent horsepower gain over the GCV160; GCV200: also showed a strong increase in torque of 13 percent and 10 percent horsepower gain over the GCV190

    Self Tuning Regulator

    STR Governor (Self Tuning Regulator) minimizes engine droop seen with traditional mechanical governor systems by electronically regulating the throttle opening to maintain constant, stable engine speed even under changing load conditions, resulting in exceptional performance and enhanced user satisfaction.

    Variable Timing Digital CDI Ignition

    GX240-390, V-Twin series, iGX series

    Honda’s Variable Timing Digital CDI ignition allows optimal ignition timing based on engine speed. The result:

    • Excellent starting,
    • High power output,
    • Reduced fuel consumption, and
    • Outstanding emissions performance.

    An engine rev limiter is also incorporated to prevent over-revving.

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    Honda Engines | Why Choose a Honda Engine? (2024)

    FAQs

    Honda Engines | Why Choose a Honda Engine? ›

    Durability.

    What is the most reliable Honda engine? ›

    The Honda K20 and K24 are some of the most reliable engines ever built. They come in vehicles from 2000 to around 2015, like the Civic, Acord, Acura, and more. The K20 (i-VTEC) is an inline 4-cylinder, 2L engine making - depending on other components - making 150-221 HP/131-151 lb-ft.

    Why are Honda GX engines so good? ›

    The Honda GS engines exemplify Honda's fundamental design philosophies of durability, quality, reliability, ease of starting and high fuel economy. The GX Series offers reliable, easy starting and fuel efficient power for a variety of commercial applications.

    Which Honda engine is the strongest? ›

    The latest iteration of Honda's K-Series four-cylinder is also its most powerful. The K20C1 can be found in the Civic Type R, where it makes 315 horsepower, but it's bumped up to 320 horses in the Acura Integra Type S.

    Which engine is best Toyota or Honda? ›

    Honda has a superior engine design to Toyota. Honda vehicles tend to score better fuel economy results without significant discrepancies in performance. The Honda Civic Type R actually bests the Toyota GR Supra in terms of horsepower output without getting a terrible fuel economy rating.

    What is Hondas best 4 cylinder engine? ›

    Outside of the B-Series, the K24 is arguably the best and most adaptable engine family Honda has ever built. The following is a comprehensive list of everything you need to know about Honda's amazing hall of famer, the K24 engine.

    Which engine is better 1.5 or 2.0 Honda Civic? ›

    The 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine leads in both power and fuel efficiency. This is because turbocharged engines feature an internal fan and cooling system that keeps the engine at an optimal temperature during peak performance. It gives the engine that added boost while reducing the risk of overheating.

    What is the difference between a Honda GP and GX engine? ›

    While inheriting these characteristics from the GX range, the GP engines' level of durability and toughness is different and more suitable to power products which are commonly used for relatively short continuous operating times with lighter workloads – such as home-use tillers, aerators and other applications.

    Why do Honda engines last so long? ›

    Hondas last long for their engineering excellence, innovative designs focused on durability, stringent manufacturing quality controls, and commitment to engine performance and efficiency.

    Which Honda J Series engine is best? ›

    In my opinion, the best is the J35A4 from the '02-'04 Odyssey. This is because there are more of these engines than any other and it's the biggest. Others argue the J32A2 from the '01-'03 Acura CL/TL Type S is the way to go. However, these are much harder to find, so you'll pay a premium for them.

    Why did Honda stop using VTEC? ›

    The reasoning is simple: Emissions. Honda notes that the new V6 sports a massive 40 to 50 percent reduction in emissions. Without diving into an engineering conversation, the engine uses direct injection and features more exact fuel delivery. Cam phasers also make continuous adjustments to intake and exhaust timing.

    What's better B-Series or K-series? ›

    “A bigger K-series motor is going to spool the turbo a little quicker,” says Laskey “But, a lot of the faster turbo cars tend to still be B-series motors.” Another important advantage is in combustion chamber sealing, something the B-series engines do well.

    Is I VTEC better than VTEC? ›

    Thus, the i-VTEC system provides all the benefits of the traditional VTEC design's high-end open throttle power, while providing better engine operation at low and partial throttle.

    Why choose Toyota over Honda? ›

    If you're on a tight budget, a used Toyota is a clear winner. These cars have more standard features, which makes them more profitable. A used model can also potentially last much more years than a used Honda. However, if you value performance, Honda is the better choice.

    Which Honda is more reliable? ›

    Dependability

    In addition, Honda also won various awards for past model years, including the 2020 Honda Ridgeline for best performance midsize pickup, the 2017 Honda Fit for the most dependable small car, and the 2020 Honda Odyssey for the best performance minivan.

    Do Toyota engines last longer than Honda? ›

    Both brands have a history of producing vehicles with fewer major issues, longer lifespans, and lower repair costs compared to some other brands. According to a study published in April of 2023 by iSeeCars.com, eight of the top 23 longest-lasting vehicles are made by Toyota, while four of the top 23 are made by Honda.

    What is the longest lasting Honda? ›

    Accord. One of Honda's most iconic cars, the Accord is also one of its most durable. With a potential lifespan of 226,168 miles, this car could last roughly 17 years.

    What is the most reliable used Honda? ›

    Best Used Hondas in 2023
    • 2016-2019 Honda Civic. If you're interested in getting a reliable and affordable sedan, then the Honda Civic is a great option to check out. ...
    • 2013-2017 Honda Accord. ...
    • 2012-2016 Honda CR-V. ...
    • 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey. ...
    • 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline.
    Apr 28, 2023

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