Small Engine

Honda GX160

4-Stroke

The Honda GX160 is a 163cc 4-stroke overhead-valve engine and the most widely used model in the GX series globally, powering pressure washers, generators, water pumps, compaction equipment, and go-karts across residential and commercial applications. It uses a Keihin float-type carburetor and accepts NGK BPR6ES or Champion RC12YC spark plugs. The 4-stroke overhead-valve design delivers exceptional fuel economy and longevity. Routine maintenance every 100 hours includes oil change (SAE 10W-30), air filter cleaning or replacement, and spark plug inspection. The GX160 superseded the Honda GX140.

See a wrong fitment? Report a correction.

Verify before ordering: Fitment can vary by serial number, production date, region, and sub-model. Match the OEM number and physical dimensions before ordering.

Equipment: Small Engine · 4-Stroke
Covered Parts: Spark Plug, Air Filter, Carburetor, Recoil Starter, Ignition Coil
OEM References: 98079-56846, 17210-ZE1-505, 16100-ZH8-W51, 28400-ZE1-013ZA, 30500-ZH8-W31
Model Family: GX120, GX140, GX160, GX200
Last Reviewed: 2026-05-20
Data Confidence: Aftermarket-confirmed
Sources Consulted: Honda GX160 parts references, Aftermarket catalog cross-references, Retailer fitment listings

ℹ See also: GX120, GX140, GX200 — parts are often interchangeable within this family.

Quick Fitment

Part Type	OEM / Spec	Common Option	Confidence
Spark Plug	98079-56846	NGK BPR6ES	Medium · 2026-05-20
Air Filter	17210-ZE1-505	Stens 102-413	Medium · 2026-05-20
Carburetor	16100-ZH8-W51	Keihin BB62B	Medium · 2026-05-20
Recoil Starter	28400-ZE1-013ZA	Stens 150-107	Medium · 2026-05-20
Ignition Coil	30500-ZH8-W31	Stens 610-542	Medium · 2026-05-20

Tune-Up Kit

Common service bundle: spark plug, air filter, carburetor.

Maintenance Interval

Inspect filters and fuel lines each season, replace spark plugs during annual service, and service carb/fuel-system parts when starting or idle symptoms appear.

Before You Buy

Confirm the full model is Honda GX160, not just the family name.
Check serial number, production date, and regional variant before ordering.
Match the old OEM number stamped on the removed part when available.
Compare dimensions, plug gap, thread, fuel line diameter, or chain pitch/gauge where applicable.

Common Mistakes

Ordering from a family listing without checking the exact sub-model.
Buying a kit that includes the headline part but wrong gaskets, lines, or bulb size.
Choosing the wrong carburetor revision when multiple versions were used.
Installing the correct plug number with the wrong gap.

Symptoms Map

Won't start

Spark plug, fuel filter, primer bulb, carburetor

Bogs under throttle

Air filter, carburetor, spark plug gap

Replacement Options

Best OEM equivalent

Start with OEM references 98079-56846, 17210-ZE1-505, 16100-ZH8-W51, 28400-ZE1-013ZA and match the removed part before choosing a listing.

Common aftermarket option

Cross-check aftermarket listings such as NGK BPR6ES (spark plug), Stens 102-413 (air filter), Keihin BB62B (carburetor) against the OEM number and dimensions.

Best for annual tune-up

Bundle spark plug, air filter when servicing the Honda GX160 at the start of the season.

Best budget kit

Use kit listings only when every included part matches this model page; cheap kits often mix correct headline parts with wrong bulbs, lines, or gaskets.

FAQ

Does this fit GX120 or GX140? Parts may interchange with GX120, GX140, GX200, but verify the serial range, OEM number, and physical part details before ordering.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts for the Honda GX160? Use OEM when the part controls fuel metering, ignition, or safety. Aftermarket kits can be useful for routine filters, bulbs, plugs, and tune-up bundles when the OEM number and dimensions match.

How do I avoid ordering the wrong carburetor for the GX160? Match the carburetor number stamped on the removed unit, then compare linkage, choke setup, primer routing, gasket stack, and fuel-inlet direction.

What should I check before replacing fuel-system parts? Photograph the old fuel-line routing, match line diameter and filter style, and compare primer bulb size before buying a kit.

Related Repair Guides

Honda GX160 Annual Maintenance PartsA seasonal maintenance checklist for Honda GX160 engines with links to common spark plug, air filter, and carburetor lookup pages.Carburetor Replacement Fitment GuideA fitment-first carburetor replacement guide covering stamped carb numbers, linkage, choke setup, primer routing, gasket stack, and model-specific checks.

Spark Plug

OEM98079-56846Confidence: Medium · Source: Aftermarket catalog

Reviewed: 2026-05-20
Dimensions: 0.7mm plug gap
Variant notes: Verify engine code on equipment using GX160 power units.

Brand	Part #
NGK	BPR6ES	Best for annual tune-upAmazonAffiliate link Some links may be affiliate links. Match the OEM number, dimensions, and model variant before buying.
Champion	RC12YC	Best for annual tune-upAmazonAffiliate link Some links may be affiliate links. Match the OEM number, dimensions, and model variant before buying.

Air Filter

OEM17210-ZE1-505Confidence: Medium · Source: Aftermarket catalog

Reviewed: 2026-05-20
Variant notes: Verify air-box style and whether a foam pre-filter is also needed.

Brand	Part #
Stens	102-413	Best for annual tune-upAmazonAffiliate link Some links may be affiliate links. Match the OEM number, dimensions, and model variant before buying.

Carburetor

OEM16100-ZH8-W51Confidence: Medium · Source: Aftermarket catalog

Reviewed: 2026-05-20
Variant notes: Match choke, throttle linkage, and fuel inlet orientation.
Exclusions: GX160-powered equipment may use application-specific linkage or air-box parts.

Brand	Part #
Keihin	BB62B	Best if replacing fuel systemAmazonAffiliate link Some links may be affiliate links. Match the OEM number, dimensions, and model variant before buying.

Recoil Starter

OEM28400-ZE1-013ZAConfidence: Medium · Source: Aftermarket catalog

Reviewed: 2026-05-20
Variant notes: Verify starter cup and housing style.

Brand	Part #
Stens	150-107	Best overallAmazonAffiliate link Some links may be affiliate links. Match the OEM number, dimensions, and model variant before buying.

Ignition Coil

OEM30500-ZH8-W31Confidence: Medium · Source: Aftermarket catalog

Reviewed: 2026-05-20
Variant notes: Verify coil mounting and flywheel compatibility on the exact engine code.

Brand	Part #
Stens	610-542	Best overallAmazonAffiliate link Some links may be affiliate links. Match the OEM number, dimensions, and model variant before buying.