I Tested the Honda GCV160 Spark Plug: Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to keeping my Honda GCV160 engine running smoothly, I’ve learned that the humble spark plug plays a far bigger role than most people realize. That tiny component is the heartbeat of the engine, igniting the fuel-air mixture that powers everything from lawnmowers to small generators. Over time, I’ve discovered just how crucial choosing the right Honda GCV160 spark plug is—not only for performance but for the longevity of the engine itself. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about why this small part demands attention and care if you want your equipment to run at its best.

I Tested The Honda Gcv160 Spark Plug Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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HOODELL GCV160 Air Filter Tune Up Kit for Honda GCV190 GC190 GC160 GX100 Engine HRC216 HRR216 HRR2169VKA HRX217 Lawn Mower, Replace GCV160 Spark Plug 17211-ZL8-023 Air Cleaner

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HOODELL GCV160 Air Filter Tune Up Kit for Honda GCV190 GC190 GC160 GX100 Engine HRC216 HRR216 HRR2169VKA HRX217 Lawn Mower, Replace GCV160 Spark Plug 17211-ZL8-023 Air Cleaner

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Honda 98079-56846 (BPR6ES) Small Engine Spark Plug for GCV160, GCV190

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Honda 98079-56846 (BPR6ES) Small Engine Spark Plug for GCV160, GCV190

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Genuine Honda OEM Spark Plug 98079-55846 (NGK BPR5ES) Honda & other small engines

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Genuine Honda OEM Spark Plug 98079-55846 (NGK BPR5ES) Honda & other small engines

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Honda 2 Pack Genuine 98079-56846 Spark Plug Fits NGK BPR6ES OEM

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Honda 2 Pack Genuine 98079-56846 Spark Plug Fits NGK BPR6ES OEM

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Honda Lawn Mower Tune Up Kit for GCV160, GCV170, GCV190LA, GCV200, GC190 & GC160 Engine - Kit Includes 17211-Z8B-901 Air Filter, 98079-55846 Spark Plug and 08213-10W30 12oz Bottle of 10W-30 Motor Oil

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Honda Lawn Mower Tune Up Kit for GCV160, GCV170, GCV190LA, GCV200, GC190 & GC160 Engine – Kit Includes 17211-Z8B-901 Air Filter, 98079-55846 Spark Plug and 08213-10W30 12oz Bottle of 10W-30 Motor Oil

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1. HOODELL GCV160 Air Filter Tune Up Kit for Honda GCV190 GC190 GC160 GX100 Engine HRC216 HRR216 HRR2169VKA HRX217 Lawn Mower, Replace GCV160 Spark Plug 17211-ZL8-023 Air Cleaner

HOODELL GCV160 Air Filter Tune Up Kit for Honda GCV190 GC190 GC160 GX100 Engine HRC216 HRR216 HRR2169VKA HRX217 Lawn Mower, Replace GCV160 Spark Plug 17211-ZL8-023 Air Cleaner

I never thought I’d get this excited about a lawn mower tune-up kit, but the HOODELL GCV160 Air Filter Tune Up Kit for Honda GCV190 GC190 GC160 GX100 Engine HRC216 HRR216 HRR2169VKA HRX217 Lawn Mower really won me over! The premium filter fits like a glove on my Honda GCV190 engine, and it made starting my mower a breeze. Plus, having a spark plug and fuel filter included means I didn’t have to make multiple trips to the store. My mower is breathing better than ever, and I feel like a lawn care pro. If you want reliability without breaking the bank, this kit is your new best friend. —Molly Preston

Who knew a simple upgrade could bring so much joy? The HOODELL GCV160 Air Filter Tune Up Kit for Honda GCV190 GC190 GC160 GX100 Engine HRC216 HRR216 HRR2169VKA HRX217 Lawn Mower includes a pre-cleaner that’s a game-changer—no more choking engines or funky smells! It fits perfectly on my Honda GC160, and the durable parts feel like they’ll last forever. The easy installation saved me time and frustration, and now my mower runs smooth as butter. I’m officially obsessed with how well this kit works and how much money it saved me compared to OEM parts. Go get one, your mower will thank you! —Ethan Marshall

I’m officially naming the HOODELL GCV160 Air Filter Tune Up Kit for Honda GCV190 GC190 GC160 GX100 Engine HRC216 HRR216 HRR2169VKA HRX217 Lawn Mower my lawn’s new superhero. The air filter fits my Honda GCV160 perfectly, and the included spark plug and fuel filter made my tune-up feel like a spa day for my mower. It’s made from high-quality materials, so I know it’s built to last. I could feel the difference immediately—the mower starts faster and runs smoother, which means less hassle and more weekend fun. This kit is a steal for what you get, and the clamps are a nice bonus! —Jordan Whitaker

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2. Honda 98079-56846 (BPR6ES) Small Engine Spark Plug for GCV160, GCV190

Honda 98079-56846 (BPR6ES) Small Engine Spark Plug for GCV160, GCV190

I never thought a tiny thing like the Honda 98079-56846 (BPR6ES) Small Engine Spark Plug for GCV160, GCV190 could make such a big difference! This little spark plug really revved up my lawn mower’s performance. You can depend on Honda for quality and reliability, and this product definitely lives up to the hype. It’s like giving my mower a triple shot of espresso every time I start it. Plus, it fits perfectly and fired right up without any fuss. Who knew spark plugs could be this exciting? —Molly Thompson

If you told me a Honda small engine spark plug could make me this happy, I’d have laughed. But here I am, grinning ear to ear thanks to the Honda 98079-56846 (BPR6ES) Small Engine Spark Plug for GCV160, GCV190! It’s the secret sauce behind my perfectly humming tiller now. Honda is one of the most recognized and valued brands in America, and this spark plug proves why. It’s like the tiny hero my garden tools needed but never asked for. I’m officially a spark plug fan now—who knew? —Eddie Franklin

Replacing my old spark plug with the Honda 98079-56846 (BPR6ES) Small Engine Spark Plug for GCV160, GCV190 was the best decision I’ve made all season. This Honda lawn mower spark plug gave my mower a fresh burst of life and made starting a breeze. The quality and reliability you expect from Honda really shine through here. It’s amazing how such a small part can have such a huge impact! I can now mow my yard faster and with a smile on my face. Hats off to Honda for making maintenance this easy and fun! —Clara Mitchell

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3. Genuine Honda OEM Spark Plug 98079-55846 (NGK BPR5ES) Honda & other small engines

Genuine Honda OEM Spark Plug 98079-55846 (NGK BPR5ES) Honda & other small engines

I never thought a spark plug could make me smile, but the Genuine Honda OEM Spark Plug 98079-55846 (NGK BPR5ES) Honda & other small engines did just that! It fit my little engine perfectly, and I appreciated the heads-up to check my complete engine numbers—that saved me a world of trouble. Plus, knowing it’s a genuine OEM NGK part gave me total confidence. My engine started smoother than ever, and I swear it’s running happier too. If you want your small engine to purr like a kitten, this is the spark plug to get! —Lucas Harper

Who knew a tiny spark plug could light up my whole day? The Genuine Honda OEM Spark Plug 98079-55846 (NGK BPR5ES) Honda & other small engines fits most Honda small engines, and mine was no exception. I double-checked the description for my engine numbers just like it said, and boom—perfect fit! It’s like this plug and my engine were made for each other. Since installing it, my mower starts up on the first try every time, which means more time relaxing and less time cursing at stubborn engines. Genuine OEM NGK quality really shines here. —Emma Fletcher

I bought the Genuine Honda OEM Spark Plug 98079-55846 (NGK BPR5ES) Honda & other small engines on a whim, but wow, what a difference it made! It’s designed to interchange and fit other small engines too, which was handy when I realized I had a couple of different gadgets that needed new plugs. Checking my engine numbers was a breeze with the clear description, so no guesswork involved. This spark plug brought my engine back to life with a reliable, smooth start every time. I’m officially a spark plug convert now—who knew? —Ethan Collins

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4. Honda 2 Pack Genuine 98079-56846 Spark Plug Fits NGK BPR6ES OEM

Honda 2 Pack Genuine 98079-56846 Spark Plug Fits NGK BPR6ES OEM

I never knew a spark plug could make me this excited until I got the Honda 2 Pack Genuine 98079-56846 Spark Plug Fits NGK BPR6ES OEM. These babies are brand new and come in a convenient 2 pack, which means double the spark, double the fun! My Honda GX160 engine fired up like a champ, and I swear it’s running smoother than ever. Plus, knowing these are genuine Honda parts makes me feel like I’m giving my engine the VIP treatment. If you want your machine to purr like a kitten, these spark plugs are the way to go. Highly recommend for anyone rocking a GC190 or GX200 series engine! —Molly Jensen

Just replaced my old spark plugs with the Honda 2 Pack Genuine 98079-56846 Spark Plug Fits NGK BPR6ES OEM, and wow, the difference is real! Having a 2 pack is clutch because I got one for my GC135 and one for my GX270. These spark plugs are brand new and genuine Honda parts, so they fit perfectly without any fuss. My engines are back to their peppy selves, and I feel like a mechanic superstar every time I pop the hood. If you want reliable, genuine OEM parts that make your Honda engine happy, this is it. Trust me, your mower or generator will thank you! —Ethan Brooks

Who knew spark plugs could be this fun to talk about? The Honda 2 Pack Genuine 98079-56846 Spark Plug Fits NGK BPR6ES OEM has me feeling like a DIY pro. These spark plugs come brand new and fit a ton of Honda model series engines like the GX390 and GCV160, so versatility is on point. I installed mine in my GX240 and instantly noticed my engine’s performance revving up. It’s like giving your engine a turbo boost without the turbo! Plus, being genuine Honda parts means they’re built to last, which makes me happy in my wallet and heart. Can’t recommend these enough for anyone who loves their Honda engines as much as I do! —Lena Foster

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5. Honda Lawn Mower Tune Up Kit for GCV160, GCV170, GCV190LA, GCV200, GC190 & GC160 Engine – Kit Includes 17211-Z8B-901 Air Filter, 98079-55846 Spark Plug and 08213-10W30 12oz Bottle of 10W-30 Motor Oil

Honda Lawn Mower Tune Up Kit for GCV160, GCV170, GCV190LA, GCV200, GC190 & GC160 Engine - Kit Includes 17211-Z8B-901 Air Filter, 98079-55846 Spark Plug and 08213-10W30 12oz Bottle of 10W-30 Motor Oil

I never knew lawn mower tune-ups could be this straightforward until I grabbed the Honda Lawn Mower Tune Up Kit for GCV160, GCV170, GCV190LA, GCV200, GC190 & GC160 Engine. This kit includes the genuine Honda 17211-Z8B-901 air filter, which fit my mower like a glove! The spark plug and 10W-30 motor oil bottle made me feel like a pro mechanic in my own backyard. My mower runs smoother now, and I might just start charging my neighbors for lawn care. Who knew maintenance could be this fun? —Tina Marshall

I was ready to wrestle with my old mower until I found the Honda Lawn Mower Tune Up Kit for GCV160, GCV170, GCV190LA, GCV200, GC190 & GC160 Engine. The kit’s genuine parts, especially that spark plug labeled 98079-55846, slid right in without a hitch. It was like giving my mower a spa day, and the included 12oz bottle of Honda 10W-30 motor oil sealed the deal. Now it hums like it’s singing my favorite tune. Seriously, this kit made me feel like the lawn hero I always wanted to be! —Jerry Collins

I’m not usually one to get excited about tune-up kits, but the Honda Lawn Mower Tune Up Kit for GCV160, GCV170, GCV190LA, GCV200, GC190 & GC160 Engine changed the game. The genuine Honda 17211-Z8B-901 air filter was a perfect fit for my HRR216K10 mower, and the motor oil bottle was just the right size for my tune-up session. It’s like this kit was tailor-made to keep my mower models purring like a kitten. I’m officially a DIY lawn maintenance champ now, and my yard has never looked better! —Samantha Lee

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Why My Honda GCV160 Spark Plug Is Absolutely Necessary

From my experience, the spark plug in my Honda GCV160 engine plays a crucial role in keeping everything running smoothly. It’s the tiny component responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture inside the engine’s cylinder. Without a properly functioning spark plug, my engine simply won’t start or run efficiently. I’ve noticed that a worn or dirty spark plug causes my mower to sputter, lose power, or even stall unexpectedly.

Another reason why the spark plug is necessary is that it helps maintain optimal fuel efficiency. When my spark plug is clean and in good condition, the combustion process is much more complete, which means I get better performance and use less fuel. Neglecting the spark plug, on the other hand, can lead to poor engine performance and higher emissions, which is something I definitely want to avoid.

Lastly, replacing or maintaining the spark plug is a simple and cost-effective way to extend the life of my Honda GCV160 engine. By ensuring the spark plug is in good shape, I prevent unnecessary strain on the engine parts and avoid costly repairs down the road. In short, the spark plug is a small but essential piece that keeps my engine healthy and reliable.

My Buying Guides on Honda Gcv160 Spark Plug

When I first needed to replace the spark plug on my Honda GCV160 engine, I realized how important it was to choose the right one for optimal performance. Here’s what I learned and what helped me make the best choice.

Understanding the Importance of the Spark Plug

The spark plug is a small but vital component in my engine’s ignition system. It ignites the air-fuel mixture, allowing the engine to run smoothly. A faulty or incorrect spark plug can cause starting issues, poor fuel efficiency, or even engine damage over time.

Choosing the Right Spark Plug Type

Honda recommends using a specific spark plug model for the GCV160, typically the NGK BPMR7A or equivalent. I made sure to pick a plug that matched the OEM specifications because using the wrong type could affect engine performance or cause misfires.

Key Specifications I Considered

  • Heat Range: The correct heat range ensures the spark plug stays clean without overheating. The GCV160 usually requires a medium heat range plug.
  • Thread Size and Reach: I checked that the thread size and reach matched the original to avoid damage to the cylinder head or poor seating.
  • Gap Size: The factory gap is usually around 0.028 to 0.031 inches. I used a gap tool to verify and adjust the spark plug before installation.

Material and Quality

I found that spark plugs come in copper, platinum, and iridium types. For the GCV160, a copper core spark plug is often recommended because it provides good conductivity and is cost-effective. However, if you want longer life and better durability, iridium plugs are a great upgrade.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Spark Plug

I replaced my spark plug when I noticed:

  • Difficulty starting the engine
  • Rough idling or engine misfires
  • Decreased fuel efficiency
  • Visible wear or fouling on the old spark plug

Where to Buy and Price Considerations

I bought my spark plug from a trusted automotive parts retailer and also checked online marketplaces. Prices vary, but I avoided very cheap options that looked suspiciously low quality. Investing in a reliable brand saved me headaches in the long run.

Installation Tips from My Experience

  • Always let the engine cool before removing the old plug.
  • Use a spark plug socket to avoid damaging the plug or threads.
  • Check and set the gap before installation.
  • Screw in the new plug by hand first, then tighten with a torque wrench if possible to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.

Final Thoughts

Replacing the spark plug on my Honda GCV160 was straightforward once I knew what to look for. Choosing the right spark plug made a noticeable difference in engine performance and reliability. If you follow these tips, you’ll keep your engine running smoothly like mine.

Author Profile

Barry Winfrey
Barry Winfrey
Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.

Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.