Honda GX versus GC Engines

What is the difference between the Honda GX and GC series engines?
Ventry® Ventilation Fans, patented portable gas and electric fans used primarily in fire fighting and brush burning / stump burning, utilize Honda GC- and GX-series engines. While the main difference is the horsepower offered by each GC160, GX120, GX160, and GX200 motor (in turn creating different CFM amounts), there are other noticeable differences between the two types of engines.
![]() Honda GX engine |
![]() Honda GC engine |
GX-Series | GC-Series | |
Suggested Type of Use | Commercial | Residential [1] |
Low-Oil Shut-Off (prevents damage to the engine) | Yes | No |
Engine Material | Mostly metal | Mostly plastic |
Bore Material | Cast iron (giving GX-series motors longer life) | Aluminum |
Fuel-Shutoff Valve [2] | Yes | No |
On/Off Switch [3] | Yes | Yes, combined into the throttle control |
Place of Origin | Thailand (subject to change) | USA |
Warranty (commercial use) | 3 years | 3 months |
A bonus of the GX-series engines is that models GX160 and GX200 are available with an integral power supply unit used to run a halogen or LED Point of Entry (POE) Safety Light. Since the POE Safety Light is wired directly to an alternator in the engine, it is not available on the economy GC160 or as an add-on to existing Ventry Fans.
NOTES
[1] GC-series engines can be used in commercial equipment, but the warranty period will be shortened.
[2] A major benefit of the fuel-shutoff valve is that if the motor is run infrequently, the fuel can be run out, which is easier on the carburetor. Also, shutting off the fuel valve prevents the accidental mixing of oil and fuel, which can happen if the motor is jostled a lot (for example, when a fan is carried on a truck over a bumpy road).
[3] Having the on/off switch combined in to the throttle control (as with the GC motors) makes for simpler operation, but it has the drawback of not being able to run the fuel out of the carburetor.
Share this post
Latest News & Articles
Incidents Happen After Dark Too
An Emergency Management Department in South Dakota recently purchased a couple Lentry Lighting Systems and has put them to good use at various incidents where lighting was difficult, making the scenes safer for all involved.

Photos compare lighting options for Linemen
Photos by local linemen: They tested safety lighting solutions during overhead pole work and trench work. Photos compare headlights, spotlight, and Lentry® Portable Lighting.

A Ventry Fan assists with burning brush piles
The all-terrain legs, safety propellers, and high CFM offered on all Ventry® Fans make them a great tool to use while burning brush and slash. The piles burn hotter, faster, and cleaner, often making multiple days' work into one.

Stay in touch
CALL US
We’d love to hear from you and will be happy to answer your questions and assist you with our products. Call (888) 257-8967.
E-NEWSLETTER
Sign up here for our once-a-month email of GREAT NEWS!