Honda GC190, Owner'S Manual

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   . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

HELPFUL TIPS & 
SUGGESTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Storing Your Engine . . . . . . . . . 7
Transporting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED 
PROBLEMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER 
INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Serial Number Location and
Type Location  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
High Altitude Operation  . . . . . . 8
Oxygenated Fuels   . . . . . . . . . . 9
Emission Control System 
Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Air Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Tuneup Specifications  . . . . . . 10
Quick Reference Information . 10
Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

CONSUMER INFORMATION . . . 11

Honda Publications. . . . . . . . . 11
Distributor’s Limited
Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Emission Control System 
Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Distributor/Dealer Locator
Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Customer Service
Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

OWNER’S MANUAL

GC190

31Z1A000
00X31-Z1A-0000

POM53483

60,000.2003.01

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