The Honda GXV270 is a popular engine for commercial devices ranging from power washers to water pumps. No matter what your engine is attached you, this guide will help you get it running.

Before Starting

Check the oil: Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick, wipe off any oil, and reinsert it into the filler neck without screwing it back in. When you pull it out, the oil should be above the lower oil level mark. If it’s not, add some oil. Honda recommends 10W40 for this engine. On Oil Alert-equipped motors, the system will make a buzzing sound if the oil level is too low, but it’s best to check the level ahead of time.

Check the air cleaner: Remove the wing nut on the top of the cleaner cover, then slide off the cover. The paper element is held down by a second wing nut and a washer, and this element is surrounded by a foam element. If an element is damaged, it needs to be replaced.

If the paper element is dirty, tap it against a hard surface to loosen the dirt. If the foam element is dirty, wash it in soap and water, let it dry, then soak it in clean oil, squeezing out any excess. Put the air cleaner back together in reverse order.

Check the fuel: This engine needs fresh gasoline with an octane rating of 86 or higher and no more than 10% ethanol (E10.) Do not add fuel past the base of the filler neck. Make sure to wipe off any spilled fuel, as the vapors can be flammable.

Starting the Engine

1. Move the fuel valve, located below the fuel tank, right toward the “ON” position.
2. Move the control lever all the way up to the “CHOKE” position.
3. If the engine has a recoil starter, pull the starter handle gently until some resistance is felt, then give it a quick pull. Once the engine is running, let the starter cord reel in gently. If the engine has an electric start, turn the engine switch to the “START” position and hold it until the engine starts. If the engine hasn’t started after 5 seconds, release the switch and wait 10 seconds before starting again. This keeps the starter from overheating. Once the engine is running, leave the switch in the “ON” position.
4. Move the control lever out of the choke position once the engine is warm. This lever also serves as the throttle control: moving the lever down will decrease engine speed.

Stopping the Engine

1. Move the control lever all the way down to the “STOP” position.
2. Move the fuel valve left to the “OFF” position.

Troubleshooting

Engine won’t start (recoil starter models)

• Make sure the control lever is in the “CHOKE” position.
• Make sure the fuel valve is on.
• Check the fuel tank for fuel.
• Make sure gas is reaching the carburetor. With the fuel valve on, loosen the drain screw on the base of the carburetor. Fuel should flow out freely.
• Check for spark. Remove the spark plug and attach it to the spark plug cap. Ground it against the engine and pull the starter. There should be a visible spark between the electrodes while the engine is spinning. If there isn’t, replace the plug.

If the engine still doesn’t start, take the engine to a service center.

Engine won’t start (electric starter models)

• Make sure the battery cables are connected. Remove any corrosion.
• Check to make sure the battery is charged.

If the engine still won’t start, try the troubleshooting tips for recoil engines above.

Where to Get Parts for the Honda GXV270

www.hondalawnparts.com is a certified dealer for Honda small engine equipment, carrying OEM parts for engines like the GXV270 as well as complete equipment including Honda lawn mowers and snow blowers. Our search engine has built-in factory parts diagrams to make it easy to find the right part, and we can ship your order to any address in the U.S. and Canada.