HELP WITH HONDA GVC160 MOWER ENGINE

[flyinghigh1970]

I hope I picked the right off topic place for asking for help.I Googled this question before coming here with it and people are all over the board with the right answer.I have a Honda front wheel drive push mower with the GVC160 engine.I am hooking a tach to the plug wire to adjust the RPMs.I need to know how many times the spark plug fires per revolution to set the tach up.My choices are (1) spark plug fires twice per revolution,(2) spark plug fires once per revolution,(3) spark plug fires every other revolution.I called a Honda service center and there answer was bring it in we will set the RPMs for you and would not give me the answer,.Please don't just say try each setting,someone out there knows the truth.Thanks to any small engine guru that can help me.

 

[ddgm]

The Honda GVC 160 is a 4 stroke engine, I would say choice (3)

 

[cornchip]

Most simple single cylinder 4 strokes have magneto or 'inductive' type ignition systems. So I'd choose option #2. Should tach out around 3600 RPM's.

 

[flyinghigh1970]

The tach comes set to default at option(2)plug fires once per revolution.I hooked it up and left it at the default 2 option and its running 3100 RPMs at idle with blade on and no load,so I'm thinking this is the right option.

 

[cornchip]

That sounds right.

 

[mrrsm]

+1 --^-- If you watch this Honda Factory Service Technician working on the disassembly of the Transistorized Magneto Induction Coil and Flywheel... you can get a better look at the "split" location present on the Flywheel just after the Magnet passes in front of the Spark Plug Induction Coil confirming @cornchip 's observation. Here is the Honda Lawnmower Owner's Manual in PDF... and the Youtube Video:

http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/engines/pdf/manuals/00X31Z8B0240.pdf

 

[Reprise]

A little late, but this should be a direct link to the service manual...
http://www.honda-engines-eu.com/documents/10912/31952/1520/f7d474e7-d470-41fe-b91f-12ee5a4035cb

Note that it's in multiple languages (per section) - but with judicious use of the 'print' command, you can get a 'front to back' copy in the language of your choice.

 

[flyinghigh1970]

Thank you for everyone's help with this,I can call this thread SOLVED