P. S. Honda Codes And Types

P.S. Since posting my question, I spent some more hours searching and found a file named Honda_PE_Model_Chronology.pdf from a Honda shop website (https://aapower.net/) which may have helped me to answer my own question.

Apparently the GCV160 started life as an "GJAE" (K1), then evolved into GCV160A as a "GJAEA" (K2 thru K5), then evolved into GCV160A0 as a "GJAPA" (K6 thru K8), and today has become a GCV160LA0 as a "GJARA."

So I assume the answer to my original question is I should download the manual for the Honda lawn mower "GJARA-1533530 through 9999999" because that is the most recent model (unless someone like Robert@Honda tells me otherwise).

It would still be interesting to know what features or improvements were made in those different engines (GJAE, GJAEA, GJAPA, and GJARA). For example, I have read owners of earlier Honda mower engines talk about an oil drain plug Honda eliminated years ago that I REALLY wish Honda still offered on today's models.

The plot thickens:

That document says the HRR216K8 mower has a GCV160A0 / GJAPA engine that is a TYPE"MX2" and the HRS216K4 mower also has a GCV160A0 / GJAPA engine, but it is a TYPE"MU3."

It also shows several other Honda engine "TYPES" (e.g. SIM, S3H, BHH, A1AS,E1G7, etc.)

I have NO idea what those codes -er, "types" mean.

Does anyone here know?

Honda, can we "buy a vowel to be able to solve the puzzle?"

:scratch:

 

Hi Joe,

I found your second post went into moderation for some reason so I cleared it and moved your thread on over to the Honda section. Hopefully Robert will be along shorlty to help. He is our know all and see all Honda member. :tango_face_wink:

 

So Honda makes dozens of different 'flavors' of the GCV160 engine. Most are used on mowers, in fact, most are fitted to non-Honda mowers. Honda calls these other mower firms 'OEMs'

OEMs requirements vary...some want a Honda engine with a manual choke, some want automatic, some want black engine cowling, some want red, the list is endless. Thus, there are different codes (those odd "G" letters) to denote these differences.

Now in the case of a 100% Honda mower, there are only a few variants, and these a generally in two groups: with blade clutch and without. The base engine is the same (power, torque, capacities, etc.) however.

The GCV160 is fitted to all Honda HRS and HRR models. With the exception of the blade clutch (or not) they are all the same engine.

FYI, the nicer HRX mowers have a larger, GCV190, engine.

hope this helps!