[lzn197]

Just purchased a yard-man lawn mower with front castor wheels and a Honda 5.5HP engine. The engine code on the side of the housing is:
GJAE-1G99977. In ink it laso says "A1A".

Can any one help me understand this code to figure out this engines features and build date?

Thanks.

 

[Five Points]

I think you have a GCV160. I can't tell you the year, but I can give you this breakdown:

I'm not sure but that may not be a "G" in that #. I'm not real familiar with Honda formats but there is a real sharp Honda guy here who could tell you everything you want to know about it.

This is a link to parts at Honda:

http://www.honda-engines-eu.com/engines/PartSelection.jsp?model=GCV160&type=A1A&npl=10ZM001 &lang=EN

Hope this helps

 

[Five Points]

By the way that real sharp guy is [email protected].

 

[lzn197]

Thank you for the info so far. Note sent to the Honda expert.

 

[[email protected]]

Just purchased a yard-man lawn mower with front castor wheels and a Honda 5.5HP engine. The engine code on the side of the housing is:
GJAE-1G99977. In ink it laso says "A1A".

Can any one help me understand this code to figure out this engines features and build date?

Thanks.

That number is not the right format. To the right of the "GJAE-" should be 7 digits, no letters. I tried making that "G" a "6" but no good.

Can you take a closer look and confirm those 7 digits?

I can usually get the date the engine was sold by Honda to a distributor or OEM like Yard Man. That engine was surely cast and built at the Honda engine plant in Swepsonville, NC. Honda has been building mower engines there since the early 80s.

 

[lzn197]

I went back and double checked. The "G" was in fact a "6". So the code is:GJAE-1699977 then in ink after that it says "A1A". The muffler is a metal color, not black and the engine top cover is black. The date code on the kill swith is difficult to read. Almost looks like 95. On the other side of the engine cover, opposite the side the engine number on the block it says EM and under it it says "XG". It also says engine family "XHNXS.1611AA". Any help would be appreciated in knowing the engine build date, if this engine has a cast iron cylinder liner and any other special features of this engine. I've repaired tons of Briggs, Tecumseh and Kawasaki engines but this is my first Honda. Would like to learn more. Thanks.

 

[[email protected]]

I went back and double checked. The "G" was in fact a "6". So the code is:GJAE-1699977 then in ink after that it says "A1A". <snip> Would like to learn more. Thanks.

Okay, got some details:

• This specific engine was manufactured at the Honda Hamamatsu Plant in Japan on July 14th, 1999.
• It's a GCV160, which is a 160cc displacement, vertical shaft (a.k.a. mower engine) that features a timing belt and overhead valves. There is no removable cylinder head, but the block has a diagonal split to access all the internal parts. All GC-series engines are all-aluminum (no cast-iron cylinder sleeve). GC engines are marketed by Honda as "premium residential" products. All current non-commercial mowers Honda offers use the GCV160 or the larger GCV190 engine.
• Honda sold (wholesale) this specific engine to MTD, a Nashville-based Honda engine distributor. MTD likely then sold it as part of a larger order of loose engines to the OEM (Yard Man).

• You may purchase a fully-illustrated paper shop manual for this engine from Honda's publication store on eBay:
Honda Shop Manuals on eBay

• A free owner's manual (digital) can be downloaded here:
http://engines.honda.com/pdf/manuals/00X31Z8B0240.pdf

 

[lzn197]

Thank you SO much. You have been a big help! One of these days I will get my hands on one I can tear down to explore. I am SURE there is a reason I have never had to do major work on one. I believe this engine has a larger crankcase that most other engines with the same displacement. That helps a LOT with cooling and engine life! Another thing I see out there with used Honda Lawn mower engines is missing air cleaner covers. Somebody could probably make a few bucks if they come up with a metal "brush guard" attachment. I'm worling on one in my head right now.

Thanks again!

 

[Five Points]

Thanks Robert for jumping in, I seen some of your other posts and knew your were the guy to ask!

FP