Honda Engines, a business unit of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is launching two, all-new engines designed specifically to increase the performance of pressure washers. They will enhance the user experience and make jobs easier. Replacing the Honda GCV160 and GCV190, the all-new Honda GCV170 and GCV200 pressure washer engines deliver more. More power and more torque for premium residential applications, along with a range of technological attributes, innovative features and a simple design that make the new models even more reliable and easier to operate and maintain.
With the launch of the GCV170 and GCV200 models, the best line of general-purpose residential engines just got even better. The power behind any pressure washer is its engine. The core of the new Honda GCV170 and GCV200 pressure washer engines is true power output. Both engines offer best-in-class power and torque that deliver peak performance in the toughest of operating conditions. More power and torque from the engines (GCV170: an increase in torque of 18 percent and a nine percent horsepower gain over the GCV160; GCV200: an increase in torque of 13 percent and 10 percent horsepower gain over the GCV190) allow the pump of a pressure washer to produce a steady, even amount of high pressure to the hose and cleaning attachment while reducing the need for the operator to repeat spray.
“The Honda GC Series, part of our legendary family of premium engines for residential applications, provides efficient power, superior fuel efficiency, and quiet operation for customers who rely on their outdoor power products to get jobs done,” said William Walton, Vice President, Honda Power Equipment. “When it comes to pressure washing, the new Honda GCV170 and GCV200 models enhance our current GC Series, offering a host of added benefits—delivering more power and torque than earlier models and innovative design features that provide for an easy, enjoyable operating experience for consumers.”
Net Horsepower Ratings Reflect Real World Conditions
Both all-new Honda GCV170 and GCV200 pressure washer engines meet the SAEJ1349 net horsepower standard. This rates engine power with the muffler and air filter in place. This net standard rating accurately reflects real-world operating conditions.[2]
Because pressure washers often see tougher outdoor conditions—after long periods of storage, in temperature extremes, with high loads, and with frequent stopping and starting—the power and torque of the pressure washer engine are factors that affect performance. In addition to higher net power output, both engines also offer class-leading torque. This means more power to the pump, resulting in more consistent pressure and cleaning capability. Further, the new Honda GCV170 and GCV200 pressure washer engines offer overhead valve (OHV) design that increases combustion efficiency, allowing for lower compression ratios and greater power output.
A Closer Look at the All-New Honda GCV170 and GCV200 Engines
Reliable Power in a Pressure Washer Package
The new Honda GCV170 and GCV200 pressure washer engines have a number of innovative features. These features make them consistently reliable, season after season:
- Honda Cycloflow technology enhances the air-fuel mixture and makes it easier to start the engine and idle smoothly while making it more resilient to poor quality fuel. New V-shaped valves and a pent-roof shape of the combustion chamber enable air in the cylinder to flow more smoothly. A longer stroke also enhances turbulence in the cylinder, which helps the mixture of air and fuel.
- A Fuel Off position allows the user to stop the flow of fuel to the engine when the pressure washing is complete. The Fuel Off position allows the engine to run until the majority of fuel in the carburetor is consumed. This prevents sticky carburetor buildup that makes for cleaner storage and easier future starting.
- The addition of Auto Choke and relocation of the wax thermostatic element from the top to the side of the cylinder improves heat transfer and makes for easier engine starting in all conditions.
Simple and Easy Operation
Honda GCV170 and GCV200 pressure washer models are configured to make engine operation more convenient and efficient. This enhances the overall experience of using a pressure washer:
- The new engine design reduces the number of steps required to start the engine by 75 percent over previous models.
- A simplified engine layout with user-friendly features, including a quick-drain oil tube, a larger fuel tank opening, easy-access spark plug, captive carburetor bolts and a finger-operated filter cover make quick work of disassembly with fewer tools and quicker repairs.
- A new muffler structure and resin protector reduce engine noise and improve operator comfort and safety.
- Enhanced balance of the crankshaft reduces engine vibration.
Style Matters
Honda designers pay attention to every detail of every engine, inside and out. The new Honda GCV170 and GCV200 pressure washer engines feature:
- A robust, polygon-square shape with a sleek, flat top that leaves room for pressure washer manufacturers to include their brands and logos.
- The engine shape neatly fits into the frames of pressure washers.
Both all-new Honda engines are assembled in the USA. They are made at the Honda Power Equipment Manufacturing, Inc. facility in Swepsonville, North Carolina. They also use domestic and globally sourced parts. This Honda center of excellence involves itself in the continuous development of world-class power equipment products. While providing product engineering, prototype development and testing, the associates work closely with suppliers to further the company goals of technologically advanced products and local parts sourcing.
The Honda GCV200 pressure washer engine will be available later in 2020. The Honda GCV170 pressure washer engine will be available in spring 2021. Both models carry a two-year non declining warranty. Parts and services will be widely available via the Honda national network of dealers.
About Honda Power Equipment
Honda Power Equipment is a division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. They market a complete range of outdoor power equipment, including generators, walk-behind and robotic lawn mowers. They also market pumps, snow blowers, tillers, string trimmers, outboard marine engines and small. Additionally, general-purpose engines for residential, commercial and rental applications are part of their line.
Honda is the world’s largest manufacturer of engines for a diverse array of automotive, powersports, marine, aerospace and power equipment products. The company offers a complete line of small, general-purpose engines for industrial, commercial, rental industry, and consumer applications. Honda engines supply smooth and dependable power for thousands of different product applications. This includes pressure washers, lawn mowers, rescue and construction equipment. Additionally, Honda engines are some of the quietest and easiest to start of their kind. This is true even in harsh commercial and construction environments. Such attributes have made Honda engines the popular choice for original equipment manufacturers looking to add value to their own brands.
