The Honda E3 is a 1,170 cc, inline‑three naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1983 and 1987. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) 6‑valve design with Honda's PGM‑Carb fuel system. This compact configuration prioritized fuel efficiency and lightweight packaging, making it ideal for entry-level city cars.
Fitted primarily to the second-generation (AA/AB) Honda City and the Honda Today kei car, the E3 was engineered for economical urban mobility. Emissions compliance for its era was managed through precise carburetion and ignition control, meeting applicable Japanese Showa 58 emissions standards for non-catalyst variants.
One documented service consideration is the potential for carburetor diaphragm hardening, leading to erratic idle or fuel starvation, as noted in Honda Service Bulletin 85‑018. This is typically caused by age and prolonged exposure to modern ethanol-blended fuels. The engine was succeeded by the more powerful D-series engines in 1988.
Production years 1983–1987 meet applicable Japanese Showa 58 emissions standards for non-catalyst variants (MLIT Type Approval JH2‑CITY‑83).
The Honda E3 is a 1,170 cc inline‑three naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for kei and subcompact applications (1983-1987). It combines SOHC 6-valve architecture with a carbureted fuel system to deliver maximum fuel efficiency and low-cost ownership. Designed to meet contemporary Japanese emissions standards, it prioritizes urban practicality over performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,170 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Gasoline) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, SOHC, 6‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 66.0 mm × 76.0 mm | |
| Power output | 44 kW (60 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 93 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Honda PGM‑Carb (Programmed Carburetion) | |
| Emissions standard | Japanese Showa 58 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | API SF 10W‑40 | |
| Dry weight | 89 kg |
The SOHC 6-valve design provides adequate low-RPM torque for city driving but requires precise valve clearance adjustments every 20,000 km. Using the specified API SF oil is critical for protecting the engine's older metallurgy. The PGM-Carb system is sensitive to fuel quality; ethanol-blended fuels can degrade rubber diaphragms, leading to idle issues. The chain-driven timing system is robust but should be inspected for wear at high mileage. The non-interference design offers peace of mind if the timing chain fails.
Oil Specs: Requires API SF specification (Honda Owner's Manual). Modern API SN/SP 10W-40 is an acceptable equivalent.
Emissions: Japanese Showa 58 certification applies to all 1983-1987 models (MLIT Type Approval JH2-CITY-83).
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. Output is consistent across all model variants (Honda Workshop Manual).
Honda Technical Information System (TIS): Workshop Manual (1983), SIB 85-018
Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) Type Approval Database
Honda EPC (Electronic Parts Catalogue) Doc. H-E3-83
JIS D 1001 Engine Power Measurement Standards
The Honda E3 was used across Honda's AA/AB platforms with transverse mounting and was not licensed to other manufacturers. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations-different intake manifolds and engine mounts between the City and Today-but no major facelift revisions occurred during its production run, ensuring broad parts interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the engine block, just below the cylinder head and behind the alternator (Honda Workshop Manual). The 8th VIN digit for E3-equipped AA City is typically 'A'. Visually, it features a black or silver valve cover with "SOHC" embossed on top. Critical differentiation from the E1: The E3 is an inline-three engine, while the E1 is a four-cylinder. The carburetor has a distinct PGM-Carb label on its side.
The E3's primary long-term concern is carburetor diaphragm degradation, with elevated incidence in vehicles using modern ethanol-blended fuels. Honda service data indicates this is a common age-related failure, while owner reports frequently cite distributor cap and rotor wear. Neglected valve adjustments can lead to poor performance, making preventative maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Honda technical bulletins (1983-1987) and aggregated owner workshop data (1985-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HONDA E3.
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