1
CONTENTS
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:
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 will also see other important messages that are preceded by the
word NOTICE.
This word means:
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.
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
®
System . . . . . . . . . . . 4
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
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
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
OWNER’S MANUAL
GS190
31Z2CA00
00X31-Z2C-A000
POM53639
10,000.2003.11
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
EM3
IPC
WARNING:
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don't follow instructions.
WARNING
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don't follow instructions.
CAUTION
You CAN be HURT if you don't follow
instructions.
NOTICE
Your engine or other property can be
damaged if you don’t follow instructions.
© 2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved
