Honda engine model and serial number decoder
Reviewed 4 primary sourcesSee sources
Honda’s small engine model names follow a fixed pattern: series letters, size, a version code and a type code. Honda uses the model and serial number together to identify an engine for parts and manuals.
The numbers on the engine
- Model
- Every Honda engine model starts with G. The full name adds series letters, size in cc, a manufacturing location and version code, and the type code. Example:
GX160 T1 QXC.[1] - Type code
- Identifies the exact variant of the engine. It has up to four characters; shorter codes may be padded with asterisks, so QX** is a QX type. Example:
QXC.[1] - Serial number
- Stamped into the side of the engine: a four- or five-letter prefix followed by seven digits. Honda lists which owner’s manual applies by serial prefix and range. Example:
GCABT-1002768.[2]
What each part means
Series
The letters at the start, such as GX, GC or GCV. Honda says vertical-shaft engines include a V, as in GXV and GCV.[1]
Engine size
The number after the series letters is the engine size in cc. It is a nominal figure: the GCV190 owner’s manual lists 187 cm³.[3]
Location and version
A short code for the manufacturing location and model version. Honda does not publish a table of these codes.[1]
Type code
The exact engine variant, up to four characters, usually stamped near the serial number.[1]
Example: GX160 T1 QXC. Honda’s own example: GX series, 160 cc, T1 location and version, QXC type.[1]
Where to find the numbers
- Look for the model number sticker on the engine. The type code and serial number are stamped into the side of the engine, usually close together.[1]
- Honda says the model and serial number are enough for most parts and service questions.[1]
- Owner’s manuals are listed by serial prefix and range, so check the serial before downloading a manual.[4]
What the decoder can’t tell you
- Honda does not publish a lookup for version codes or type codes, so the tool shows them without a meaning.[1]
- Honda does not publish a way to read a manufacture date from the serial number.[2]
Sources
Facts on this page are restated from the documents below and linked to the publisher. Check the document for your exact model before relying on a value.
- Engine type identificationAmerican Honda Motor Co. · Finding the engine model; finding the engine type code · retrieved
- Model and serial number locationsAmerican Honda Motor Co. · Finding the engine serial number · retrieved
- Owner’s manual GCV160 · GCV190American Honda Motor Co. · 00X37Z8B 0029 · English section: safety pp. 5–7, fuel and oil p. 7, maintenance p. 8, problems pp. 9–10, specifications pp. 10–11 · retrieved
- GC vertical engines (manuals by serial range)American Honda Motor Co. · Owner’s manual list by model and serial range · retrieved
Primary publishers: American Honda Motor Co.. Spotted an error? Email the address in the footer with the model and the document you are using.