Description
Honda GX160 RH2 Engine Overview
The Honda GX160 RH2 Horizontal Engine is a compact, professional-grade small engine designed for compatible equipment requiring a 163cc horizontal shaft gasoline engine with gear reduction.
This model is listed as GX160-RH2 and also referenced as GX160UT2RH2. It provides 4.8 net horsepower and uses a single-cylinder layout with a cast iron cylinder bore, helping support durability in demanding equipment applications.
A major fitment detail is the 2:1 gear reduction with wet clutch. This configuration is different from a standard straight-shaft GX160 engine and should only be used in compatible equipment designed for this output setup.
The engine uses recoil start, a transistorized magneto ignition system, float carburetor, manual choke control, and dual-element air cleaner. These features make it a practical replacement option for equipment that requires simple starting, reliable fuel delivery, and durable operation in dusty or outdoor conditions.
Because crankshaft dimensions, gear reduction, rotation direction, keyway size, and PTO height are critical for compatibility, buyers should compare the original engine specifications before ordering.
Equipment Fitment and Common Applications
The Honda GX160 RH2 Horizontal Engine is intended for compatible equipment requiring a 163cc horizontal gasoline engine with 2:1 gear reduction with wet clutch, recoil start, and the listed crankshaft specifications.
This engine may be suitable for compatible compact industrial equipment, construction equipment, agricultural machines, pumps, mixers, specialty machinery, and other small-engine applications that originally used the same GX160 RH2 configuration.
Fitment should be verified by comparing the original engine model, crankshaft orientation, crankshaft type, crankshaft length, crankshaft diameter, keyway width, gear reduction ratio, clutch setup, PTO height, rotation direction, bolt circle, starter type, choke setup, and equipment clearance.
This engine uses counterclockwise crankshaft rotation from the PTO side, a PTO height of 4-11/64 inches, and a bolt circle of 4. These details should be checked carefully because a similar Honda GX160 engine with a different shaft, reduction setup, clutch design, or mounting arrangement may not fit the same equipment.
The Honda GX160 RH2 replacement engine is commonly selected when the original engine has suffered hard starting, low compression, ignition failure, oil-related damage, fuel system issues, internal wear, or general service-life decline.
163cc Gear Reduction Engine Performance
The Honda GX160 RH2 uses a 163cc single-cylinder gasoline design with 4.8 net horsepower. This makes it a practical engine for equipment that needs compact power, reliable operation, and a durable commercial-grade platform.
The 2:1 gear reduction with wet clutch is one of the most important features of this model. Gear reduction changes the output speed and torque delivery to match equipment that requires reduced shaft speed and controlled power transfer through the clutch system.
This is different from a standard direct-drive horizontal shaft engine. Buyers should not replace a gear-reduction engine with a non-reduction engine unless the equipment manufacturer or a qualified technician confirms compatibility.
The engine’s cast iron cylinder bore supports durability, while the dual-element air cleaner helps protect the engine from dust and debris in demanding environments. The transistorized magneto ignition system supports dependable spark delivery with simple, practical operation.
Crankshaft and Installation Details
Crankshaft fitment is critical when selecting the Honda GX160 RH2 Horizontal Engine. This model uses a 22mm x 2-3/32-inch crankshaft, also listed as .86 inch x 2-3/32 inch.
The crankshaft length is 2-3/32 inches, and the crankshaft end tapped size is listed as N/A. The crankshaft keyway width is 7mm. Buyers should compare these details against the original engine and equipment coupling before ordering.
The crankshaft orientation is horizontal, and the crankshaft type is gear reduction. This engine should not be selected for equipment requiring a vertical shaft or standard straight horizontal shaft unless compatibility has been professionally confirmed.
The crankshaft rotation direction from the PTO side is counterclockwise. Rotation direction must match the driven equipment to avoid incorrect operation, belt alignment issues, clutch mismatch, pump damage, gearbox mismatch, or unsafe installation.
The listed PTO height is 4-11/64 inches, and the bolt circle is listed as 4. These dimensions should be checked against the original equipment setup.
Starting, Ignition, and Fuel System
The Honda GX160 RH2 includes recoil start, making it suitable for compatible equipment that uses a manual pull-start system.
This engine uses a gasoline fuel system with a float carburetor and manual choke control. It does not include a fuel pump, so buyers should confirm that the equipment’s fuel tank position and fuel delivery setup are compatible with the engine configuration.
The ignition system is transistorized magneto, a practical small-engine ignition design built for dependable spark delivery and straightforward maintenance.
This engine does not include an oil cooler, and the oil capacity is listed as 20. Buyers should confirm the correct oil quantity, oil type, and service intervals according to the engine manual and equipment requirements.
The supplied specifications list low oil alert: no and low oil shutdown: no, so regular oil-level checks are especially important during operation.
Wet Clutch and Gear Reduction Notes
The 2:1 gear reduction with wet clutch is a defining feature of the Honda GX160 RH2 Horizontal Engine. This setup is intended for equipment that needs reduced output speed and clutch-controlled engagement.
A wet clutch system operates differently from a standard pulley-only or direct-drive shaft arrangement. Buyers should verify that the original equipment requires this type of clutch and gear reduction before purchase.
Using the wrong crankshaft type, gear ratio, or clutch style can cause fitment problems, performance issues, or equipment damage. For best results, compare the original engine tag and output-shaft setup directly with the GX160-RH2 / GX160UT2RH2 specifications.
Key Benefits for Equipment Owners and Repair Shops
The Honda GX160 RH2 Horizontal Engine gives buyers a strong replacement option for compatible equipment that requires a 163cc gear-reduction horizontal engine.
The main benefit is fitment clarity. The listed GX160-RH2 model number, GX160UT2RH2 reference, 22mm x 2-3/32-inch crankshaft, 7mm keyway, 2:1 gear reduction with wet clutch, counterclockwise PTO rotation, and 4-11/64-inch PTO height help buyers and installers match the engine accurately.
The second benefit is durable small-engine construction. The cast iron cylinder bore, dual-element air cleaner, float carburetor, and transistorized magneto ignition support dependable equipment operation.
The third benefit is simplicity. With recoil start, manual choke, and no fuel pump requirement, this engine is suited for compatible equipment that uses a straightforward manual-start layout.
The 3-year consumer and commercial warranty also adds confidence for buyers replacing an important equipment engine.
Who This Engine Is Best For
This engine is best for equipment owners, repair shops, agricultural operators, construction crews, maintenance teams, rental equipment businesses, small-engine technicians, and professional installers who need a compatible Honda GX160 RH2 horizontal engine.
It is suitable for equipment requiring GX160-RH2, GX160UT2RH2, 163cc displacement, 4.8 net HP, 2:1 gear reduction with wet clutch, recoil start, 22mm x 2-3/32-inch crankshaft, 7mm keyway, and counterclockwise PTO rotation.
This product is a strong choice when the original engine has failed because of low compression, hard starting, worn internal parts, ignition failure, carburetor-related issues, oil-related damage, or general engine wear.
This engine is not intended for equipment requiring a vertical shaft engine, standard straight shaft engine, different gear reduction ratio, different clutch setup, different crankshaft diameter, different shaft length, different keyway, different PTO height, different rotation direction, fuel pump, oil cooler, or low-oil shutdown unless fitment has been professionally confirmed.
Technical Details and Included Specifications
The Honda GX160 RH2 Horizontal Engine is listed as a 163cc gasoline horizontal engine with 4.8 net HP, recoil start, 2:1 gear reduction with wet clutch, and a 22mm x 2-3/32-inch crankshaft.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Horizontal shaft replacement engine |
| Brand | Honda |
| Model Number | GX160-RH2 |
| Additional Reference | GX160UT2RH2 |
| Engine Series | Honda GX160 |
| Displacement | 163cc |
| Net Horsepower | 4.8 net HP |
| Fuel System | Gasoline |
| Starter Type | Recoil |
| Crankshaft Orientation | Horizontal |
| Crankshaft Type | Gear reduction |
| Gear Reduction | 2:1 with wet clutch |
| Crankshaft Dimensions | .86 in. x 2-3/32 in. / 22mm x 2-3/32 in. |
| Crankshaft Length | 2-3/32 in. |
| Crankshaft End Tapped Size | N/A |
| Crankshaft Keyway Width | 7mm |
| Rotation Direction From PTO Side | Counterclockwise |
| Cylinders | 1 |
| Cylinder Bore Type | Cast iron |
| Air Cleaner Type | Dual element |
| Fuel Pump | No |
| Oil Cooler | No |
| Oil Capacity | 20 |
| Low Oil Alert | No |
| Low Oil Shutdown | No |
| Ignition System | Transistorized magneto |
| Carburetor Type | Float |
| Choke Control | Manual |
| Bolt Circle | 4 |
| PTO Height | 4-11/64 in. |
| Shipping Weight | 51 lb |
| Warranty | 3-year consumer and commercial |
Fitment Support and Ordering Notes
Before ordering the Honda GX160 RH2 Horizontal Engine, buyers should confirm that it matches the original equipment setup. Important details include model number, engine series, displacement, crankshaft orientation, gear reduction ratio, wet clutch requirement, crankshaft diameter, crankshaft length, keyway width, PTO height, rotation direction, bolt circle, starter type, choke control, and equipment clearance.
This engine uses a horizontal shaft with 2:1 gear reduction and wet clutch, so it should not be selected for standard horizontal shaft or vertical shaft applications unless compatibility has been confirmed.
The crankshaft is 22mm x 2-3/32 inches with a 7mm keyway, and the PTO rotation is counterclockwise from the PTO side. These specifications should match the original engine and driven equipment.
Customers can also compare this product with other Honda GX engines, compatible horizontal engines, gear-reduction engines, wet clutch engines, air filters, spark plugs, recoil components, engine oil, fuel-system parts, mounting hardware, and service parts when planning a complete repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Honda GX160 RH2 Horizontal Engine used for?
The Honda GX160 RH2 Horizontal Engine is used for compatible equipment requiring a 163cc horizontal gasoline engine with 2:1 gear reduction, wet clutch, recoil start, and a 22mm x 2-3/32-inch crankshaft.
What model number is this Honda engine?
The model number is GX160-RH2. It is also referenced as GX160UT2RH2 in the supplied product information.
Does this Honda GX160 engine have electric start?
No. This model uses recoil start. Buyers needing electric start should confirm a different compatible GX160 configuration before ordering.
What are the crankshaft dimensions?
The crankshaft dimensions are listed as .86 inch x 2-3/32 inch, also described as 22mm x 2-3/32 inch. The crankshaft has a 7mm keyway, and the end tapped size is listed as N/A.
Does this engine have gear reduction?
Yes. The Honda GX160 RH2 includes 2:1 gear reduction with wet clutch, making it suitable for compatible equipment designed for this output configuration.
Does this engine have low oil shutdown?
No. The supplied specifications list low oil alert: no and low oil shutdown: no. Operators should check the oil level regularly according to the engine manual.
What warranty comes with this engine?
The Honda GX160 RH2 Horizontal Engine includes a 3-year consumer and commercial warranty. Buyers should review warranty terms for installation, maintenance, and coverage requirements.
