Honda Engines GCV520, GCV530, GXV530 Instructions Manual

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OWNER’S MANUAL
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
GCV520 · GCV530 · GXV530

00X32-Z0A-6020 
						

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Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal
injury or death if instructions are not followed.
Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equipment
damage if instructions are not followed.
The Honda engine is designed to give safe and dependable service
if operated according to instructions. Read and understand the
Owner’s Manual before operating the engine. Failure to do so
could result in personal injury or equipment damage. Thank you for purchasing a Honda engine.
All information in this publication is based on the latest product
information available at the time of printing.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any
time without notice and without incurring any obligation.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written
permission.
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the engine
and should remain with it if it is resold.
Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following
words:
Gives helpful information.
If a problem should arise, or if you have any questions about your
engine, consult an authorized Honda dealer. This manual covers the operation and maintenance of your engine:
GCV520, GCV530 and GXV530 engines. 
						

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
To ensure safe operation
Always make a pre-operation inspection (page ) before you
start the engine. You may prevent an accident or equipment
damage.
Make sure that the filler cap is closed securely. Do not overfill the fuel tank. There should be no fuel in the f iller
neck. Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped.
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive under certain
conditions. Do not place flammable objects such as gasoline, matches, etc.,
close to the engine while it is running. Know how to stop the engine quickly, and understand the
operation of all controls. Never permit anyone to operate the
engine without proper instructions. Children and pets must be kept away from the area of
operation due to a possibility of burns from hot engine
components or injury from any equipment the engine may be
used to operate. To prevent fire hazards and to provide adequate ventilation,
keep the engine at least 1 meter (3 feet) away from buildings
and other equipment during operation. Do not place flammable
objects close to the engine. Honda engine is designed to give
safe and dependable service if
operated according to instructions.
Read and understand the Owner’s
Manual before operating the engine.
Failure to do so could result in
personal injury or equipment
damage.
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY LABEL LOCATION
To ensure safe operation
The muffler becomes very hot during operation and remains
hot for a while after stopping the engine. Be careful not to
touch the muffler while it is hot. To avoid severe burns or fire
hazards, let the engine cool before transporting it or storing it
indoors. A spark arrester is available as an optional part for this engine.
It is illegal in some areas to operate an engine without a spark
arrester. Check local laws and regulations before operating. Do not place anything on the engine, as it may create a fire
hazard. Place the engine on a stable surface. Do not tilt the engine more
than 20° from horizontal. Operating at excessive angles may
result in fuel spillage. Exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide. Avoid
inhalation of exhaust gases. Never run the engine in a closed
garage or confined area. If any fuel is spilled, clean it up completely and allow petroleum
vapours to dissipate before starting the engine.
Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks where the engine is
refueled or where gasoline is stored.
READ OWNER’S MANUAL
If the label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda
dealer for replacement. This label warns you of potential hazards that can cause serious
injury. Read it carefully. 
						

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REMOTE CONTROL LINKAGE
(for throttle and choke cables)
[Remote throttle and remote choke]
CONTROL LEVER
CABLE HOLDER
LEVER SPRING
5 16 mm SCREW (2)5 16 mm SCREW
(1-LEVER TYPE)
(2-LEVER TYPE) CABLE HOLDER (2)
CONTROL LEVER
CHOKE CONTROL LEVER CHOKE RETURN SPRING
INSTALLATION:
CHOKE RETURN SPRING
INSTALLATION: THROTTLE CABLE
(SOLID WIRE)
CHOKE CABLE
(SOLID WIRE)
THROTTLE/CHOKE CABLE
(SOLID WIRE)
The control and choke levers are provided with holes for optional
cable attachment.
The following illustrations show installation examples for a solid
wire cable. Do not use a braided wire cable.
Install with the shot end hook
toward the control base side.
Install with the shot end hook
toward the control base side. 
						

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BATTERY CONNECTIONS
NEGATIVE ( )
BATTERY CABLE
POSITIVE ( )
BATTERY CABLE
STARTER
SOLENOID
(to engine body)
Connect the battery positive ( ) cable to the starter solenoid
terminal, as shown.
Connect the battery negative ( ) cable to an engine mounting bolt,
frame bolt, or other good engine ground connection.
Check the battery cable connections to be sure the cables are
tightened and free of corrosion. Remove any corrosion, and coat
the terminals and cable ends with grease. Use a 12 volt battery with an ampere-hour rating of at least 45AH. 
						

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The battery gives off explosive gases; keep sparks, flames and
cigarettes away. Provide adequate ventilation when charging
or using batteries in an enclosed space.
The battery contains sulfuric acid (electrolyte). Contact with
skin or eyes may cause severe burns. Wear protective clothing
and a face shield.If electrolyte gets on your skin, flush with water.
If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush with water for at least 15
minutes and call a physician immediately.
Electrolyte is poisonous. If swallowed, drink large quantities of water or milk and
follow with milk of magnesia or vegetable oil and call a
physician immediately.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Use only distilled water in the battery. Tap water will shorten
the service life of the battery.
Filling the battery above the U PPER LEVEL line may cause the
electrolyte to overflow, resulting in corrosion to engine or
nearby parts. Immediately wash off any spilled electrolyte.
Be careful not to connect the battery in reverse polarity, as this
will short circuit the battery charging system and trip the circuit
breaker. 
						

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PRE-OPERATION CHECK
Engine oil l
evel
Be sure to check the engine on a level surface with the engine
stopped. Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious
engine damage.
Using nondetergent oil or 2-stroke engine oil could shorten the
engine’s service life. 1.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SAE Viscosity Grades
SAE
TEMPUse Honda 4-stroke, or an equivalent
high detergent, premium quality mo-
tor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S.
automobile manufacturer’s require-
ments for service classification SG, SH.
Motor oils classified SG, SH will show
this designation on the container.
SAE 10W-30 is recommended for gen-
eral, all temperature use. 
						

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UPPER LIMIT
LOWER LIMIT
OIL FILLER CAP/
DIPSTICK
OIL FILLER CAP/DIPSTICK
Place the engine horizontally on a level surface.
Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.
Fully insert the dipstick without screwing it in, then remove it to
check the oil level.
If the oil level is near or below the lower limit mark on the
dipstick, and fill with the recommended oil to the upper limit
mark.
Reinstall the oil filler cap/dipstick.
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2.
3.
4.
5. 
						

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Air cleaner
Never run the engine wit hout the air cleaner. Rapid engine wear
will result from contaminants, such as dust and dirt being drawn
into the engine. Do not allow dust, dirt, and debris to enter the clean chamber (air
cleaner case) when servicing the air cleaner. 2.
AIR CLEANER COVER
FOAM ELEMENT
PAPER ELEMENT
AIR CLEANER CASE
CLEAN CHAMBER
AIR CLEANER
COVER BOLTS
Remove the two air cleaner cover bolts from the air cleaner
cover, and remove the cover.
Remove the paper element from the air cleaner case. Remove
the foam element from the air cleaner cover.
Inspect the air cleaner elements. Clean or replace the elements if
necessary. If the air cleaner elements need cleaning, follow the
procedure described on page 23.
Reinstall the air cleaner elements and the air cleaner cover.
Tighten the two air cleaner cover bolts securely.
1.
2.
3.
4.