honda-automobiles gc190 User Manual

5

E

• 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.

(1) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas.
(2) Change engine oil every 25 hours when used under heavy load 

or in high ambient temperatures.

(3) 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.

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

maintenance intervals.

Failure to follow this maintenance schedule could result in non-
warrantable failures.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,  

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.

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, the oil drain plug 
and washer.

3. Allow the used oil to drain 

completely, then reinstall 
the drain plug and new 
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.

REGULAR SERVICE

PERIOD (4)

Before 

Each    

Use         

First     

Month                 

or

5 Hrs

Every 3   

Months         

or

25 Hrs   

Every 6 

Months 

or

50 Hrs

Every   

Year 

or 

100 Hrs 

Every   

Two         

Years    

or 250 

Hrs 

Page       

ITEM

Perform at every indicated month or 

operating hour interval, whichever comes 

first.
Engine oil

Check

O

5

Change

O

O  (2)

5

Air filter

Check

O

Clean

O (1)

Replace

O

Spark plug

Check-adjust

O

Replace

O

Spark arrester

Clean

O

Idle speed

Check-adjust

O(3)

Shop 

manual

Fuel tank and filter

Clean

O(3)

Shop 

manual

Fuel tube

Check

Every 2 years

       (Replace if necessary) (3)

Shop 

manual

Valve clearance

Check-adjust

O(3)

Shop 

manual

Combustion chamber

Clean

After every 250 hours (3)

Shop 

manual



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.

POM53483-D.book  Page 5  Thursday, March 17, 2005  4:42 PM