Where can I find my Honda engine type?

The engine type (engine code) is typically shown on the engine block or a data/emissions label, listed in your owner's manual or on Honda’s official VIN/tech information resources. You can also confirm it by using the VIN to look up options with Honda's portal or by contacting a dealer.

Where to look on your Honda vehicle

Look in the following places, which cover cars, motorcycles, and other Honda equipment.

Cars and light trucks

• Engine code stamp or label on the engine block or valve cover, often near the timing cover or on the cylinder head.


• Emissions or data label in the engine bay that lists engine displacement and code (sometimes on the firewall, strut tower, or near the radiator).


• Owner’s manual or the Specifications page in the manual (or the vehicle’s online spec sheet in the Honda Owners site).


• Under-hood identification plate or sticker in some models; check the passenger-side footwell or the underside of the hood for a plate with engine info.

For most car owners, this trio—engine block label, emissions label in the bay, and the owner's manual—will reveal the engine type quickly.

Motorcycles, ATVs and other small Honda engines

• Engine code stamped on the engine block or on a tag attached to the engine case (often visible after removing a side cover or inspection plate).


• Label on the airbox or near the carburetor/fuel injection system that lists the engine model (for some older bikes this is on the right side of the engine).


• Owner’s manual or factory service manual for the specific model; the engine code appears in the Specifications section.


• For lawn equipment and generators, check the data plate on the engine itself or on the starter cover; the model and displacement are listed there.

These markings and manuals cover most motorcycles, ATVs, and small engines, offering a reliable route to identify the exact engine type.

Using the VIN and Honda resources

When in doubt, the VIN provides the model and option details that help confirm the engine type, and official Honda resources can map that VIN to the exact engine code. To use them, gather the VIN from the vehicle or engine data plate, then follow these steps:

1. Find your VIN: on the dashboard near the windshield, on the driver's door jamb, or on the title/registration documents; for motorcycles, the VIN may be on the neck or left frame rail; on small engines, it’s on the unit’s data plate.


2. Visit Honda's official VIN lookup or the Honda Owners site for your region (for example, the US uses the Honda Owners site).


3. Enter or paste your VIN to retrieve the vehicle's specs, including engine type or engine code; cross-check with the label on the engine itself for confirmation.


4. If online lookups don’t show the engine code, contact a Honda dealer with the VIN; they can pull the exact engine type from factory data.

The VIN is a powerful verification tool, but the definitive engine code is typically printed on the engine itself or on a data label in the engine bay; use both for certainty.

What to do if you still can’t locate it

If the engine type remains elusive after checking labels and manuals, take these steps:

• Inspect common physical locations again: valve cover, upper timing cover, and any data plaques in the engine bay.


• Review the model year and trim details in the owner’s portal or service records; engine options can vary within a generation.


• Contact your local Honda dealership or authorized service center with your VIN and the vehicle’s registration documents for a definitive engine code.


• For non-vehicle Honda engines (generators, lawn equipment), check the model/serial tag on the engine or contact customer support with the exact model number.

Getting the correct engine type ensures you order the right parts and service procedures, so verify it with both the engine label and official sources.

Summary

To locate your Honda engine type, inspect the engine block for a code stamp or label, check engine bay data/emissions labels, and consult the owner’s manual or online Honda resources. If needed, use your VIN with Honda’s official lookup or contact a dealer to confirm the exact engine code. The engine type is essential for parts compatibility, maintenance scheduling, and accurate service.

How do I know what Honda engine I have?

To identify your Honda engine, check the model number sticker (often on the side, top, or front) and look for a stamped code on the engine block. For vehicles, the eighth digit of the VIN will also specify the engine type and size.
 
This video demonstrates how to find the model number on a Honda engine: 54sSmall Engine WarehouseYouTube · Apr 29, 2025
For small engines (e.g., lawnmowers, generators)

• Find the model number sticker: Look for a sticker with the model number on the engine itself. It often starts with a "G" and may appear on the side, top, or front. 
• Locate the stamped code: Find where the engine model and type code are stamped into the side of the engine block, usually near the serial number. The type code can be up to four characters, with asterisks filling in for missing ones (e.g., "QX**"). 
• Check for specific locations: Depending on the model, specific locations include:
  • Under the recoil assembly: Common on GX and GXV series engines. 
  • Underneath the fuel tank: Often on the left side when facing the shaft. 
  • Near the oil filter: For GX360 models, look to the right of the oil filter. 
  • Near the fan housing: For GX610/620/670, look to the right of the recoil assembly. 

You can watch this video to see how to find the engine code on a Honda GX160: 34smachinesnmetalYouTube · Mar 4, 2025
For vehicles (e.g., cars, motorcycles)

• Use the VIN: Find the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on your car's dashboard or door jamb. The eighth character of the VIN is an engine code that identifies the engine's size and type. 
• Check the engine block: Look for an engine code stamped directly onto the engine block itself. This is separate from the VIN and may be necessary for ordering parts. 

This video explains how to find the engine code on a Honda vehicle: 19sCaleb YamYouTube · Jan 25, 2014
General tips

• If you can't find the information: Use a parts lookup tool on the Honda website or from a parts dealer. You can usually narrow down the engine by providing the vehicle's year, make, and model, or by providing information about the equipment the engine is on. 
• For generators: The model name is often printed on a sticker near the case, fuel tank, or control panel. These model names typically start with "E". 

Where can I find the engine type on my Honda Accord?

How to find the engine type code for a Honda car. You can find the engine type codes just below the head gasket engraved on the top of the engine block or stamped into the side of the engine. The engine type code is normally anything up to a four-digit code.

How to tell the difference between Honda engines?

20 is actually read 2 L. And A is the generation that it is D series popular engine choice is a D16. These engines are a good base if you're on a small budget.

How do I figure out my engine type?

How to check the type of engine. You can easily find out what kind of engine is in your car by checking the VIN, which can be seen in the owner's manual or under the hood. The VIN can also be found on the front of the driver's side dashboard in most cases.