Is the honda GC 160 a good option?

[Mango Matto]

I have a frame that needs a motor. I have a Honda GC160 that I am thinking about using. It has a 7/8" shaft that I am planning on building an adapter to step down to a 3/4" shaft. I wanted to get your opinions on weather this would be a good motor to use.
http://engines.honda.com/models/model-detail/gc160

 

[jman231994]

From memory the gx160 is a better engine, but a gc160 should still be fine anyway. Someone else will know about that better than me.

How do you intend on making the step down adaptor, you will likely be better off getting the crankshaft machined down to 3/4" as a longer unsupported crankshaft will be more likely to bend under load.

 

[Mango Matto]

I cant really machine down the existing shaft because its only 1 1/4" long. I'm gonna build the adapter by taking a part that I already have that fits the shaft and threading in a 3/4" keyed shaft into it. I was going to tig weld it on but I would have to start with bigger material then machine it down to 3/4" and then machine the key way. I'l try to post some pictures tomorrow I left the parts at work.

 

[Mango Matto]

Just remembered it was in my car. Here are a couple pictures of what I'm trying to do.

 

[Mango Matto]

This is the part that will go on the shaft and the part in the drawing will screw into the end of this part.

 

[souperman000]

Beware the GC engines, if mounted as usual, have the exhaust blowing right at the back of the seat.

 

[Mango Matto]

oh sheesh totally missed that. That can be fixed though...

 

[OzFab]

The specs are only slightly different between the gx & the gc (like 0.2hp, 0.7lb/ft of torque) so it should be good

 

[OzFab]

Beware the GC engines, if mounted as usual, have the exhaust blowing right at the back of the seat.

oh sheesh totally missed that. That can be fixed though...

Ooooh, me too A straight pipe on a U bend will fix it

Making a 1 piece adaptor will be better but involves a bit more machine work

 

[Mango Matto]

Making a 1 piece adaptor will be better but involves a bit more machine work

I agree but I'm trying to minimize machining...

 

[Mango Matto]

I got the adapter made, the muffler is piped away from the driver, and I have it mocked up on the frame. Now I am trying to figure out how to idle it down without the governer trying to pop it back up. Do I have to remove the governer or is there a way to idle it down without removing the govener internals?? Thanks everybody.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

What was the engine from? The original equipment/intended use may have dictated the "high idle" you are experiencing. IF the governor external parts are the same as a general purpose version of the engine, it should just be a matter of adjustment.

Also- while the outsput specs of the GC are similar enough to the GX, the architecture is rather different. Aside from the noted exhaust location, the big difference is that the GX is an overhead valve engine, while the GC is an overhead cam design. Most folks are convinced that the GX series is more durable and long-lived.

One thing worth noting is that the GC uses a timing belt, which would necessitate replacement at some point.

 

[Mango Matto]

it came off a pressure washer. Ill try adjusting it to see how it works out thanks!

 

[souperman000]

Got any pics of the exhaust?

 

[beansdaddy78]

id like to see the exhaust tooo

I have heard mixed opinions on the gc gx. most dont care for the gc it seems cause of the differences, but i have talked to 2 people who love them, especially since you can grab them all day long off CL for $50 each. the one guy swears it has more power than the gx but I have no idea, i owned one for a bit but a guy who was buying something from me noticed it and bought it before i got to use it on a project.


I paid $30 for mine, and it started first pull everytime, it came from a power washer and looked new.

since they are so cheap, youd be my hero if you made something with dual gc160's