honda-automobiles gcv190 User Manual

ENGLISH

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.

Your safety and the safety of others are 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.

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.

• 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.



You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY 
HURT if you don't follow instructions.



You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY 
HURT if you don't follow instructions.



You CAN be HURT if you don't follow 
instructions.

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

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

DAMAGE PREVENTION 
MESSAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
SAFETY INFORMATION . . . .  1

IS YOUR ENGINE READY TO 
GO? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2

SAFE OPERATING 
PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . .  2
Type 1 Operation   . . . . . . . . .  2
Type 2 Operation   . . . . . . . . .  3
Type 3 Operation   . . . . . . . . .  3
Type 4 Operation . . . . . . . . . .  4
Type 5 Operation . . . . . . . . . .  4
Type 6 Operation . . . . . . . . . .  4
Type 7 Operation . . . . . . . . . .  5
Type 8 Operation . . . . . . . . . .  5

THE IMPORTANCE OF 
MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . .  5
MAINTENANCE SAFETY  . . .  6
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE.  6
REFUELING. . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
ENGINE OIL. . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
AIR CLEANER . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
SPARK PLUG  . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
FLYWHEEL BRAKE 
INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
SPARK ARRESTER (optional 
equipment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8

STORING YOUR ENGINE. . .  8
ADDING A GASOLINE 
STABILIZER TO EXTEND 
FUEL STORAGE LIFE. . . . . .  9
DRAINING THE FUEL TANK 
AND CARBURETOR . . . . . . .  9
TRANSPORTING. . . . . . . . . .  9

TAKING CARE OF 
UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS  . .  9
TECHNICAL INFORMATION .  10

SERIAL NUMBER AND TYPE 
LOCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
HIGH ALTITUDE 
OPERATION  . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
EMISSION CONTROL 
SYSTEM INFORMATION  . .  10
AIR INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . .  11
BATTERY CONNECTIONS .  12
WIRING DIAGRAMS . . . . . .  12

HONDA PUBLICATIONS. . .  13
DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED 
WARRANTIES . . . . . . . . . . .  13
EMISSION CONTROL 
SYSTEM
WARRANTY. . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
DISTRIBUTOR/DEALER 
LOCATOR INFORMATION .  13
CUSTOMER SERVICE 
INFORMATION  . . . . . . . . . .  13
INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY 
INFORMATION  . . . . . last page





The engine exhaust from this product 

contains chemicals known to the State of 

California to cause cancer, birth defects or 

other reproductive harm.

© 2003–2007 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved

31Z8B010
00X31-Z8B-0100

IPC     POM52684-L

XXX.2007.02

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FRANÇAIS

ESP

AÑOL

ENGLISH

POM52684-L.book  Page 1  Monday, February 5, 2007  3:00 PM