The Honda E7 is a 1,170 cc, inline‑three petrol engine produced between 1984 and 1987. It features a SOHC 6‑valve design, prioritizing compactness and fuel efficiency for Honda's smallest vehicles. Output is rated at 44 kW (60 PS) and 93 Nm, making it suitable for lightweight city cars.
Fitted exclusively to the second-generation Honda City (AA), the E7 was engineered for urban mobility and low running costs. Emissions compliance was achieved through PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) or carburetion depending on market, meeting Japanese and European emissions standards of the mid-1980s.
One documented service concern is wear in the timing belt tensioner pulley, which can lead to belt slippage or failure. This issue, referenced in Honda Service Bulletin 86-012, is often linked to bearing wear and requires periodic inspection. Regular replacement of the timing belt and associated components is critical for preventative maintenance.
Production years 1984–1987 meet Japanese Showa 58 and equivalent European emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/HON/1122).
The Honda E7 is a 1,170 cc inline‑three petrol engine engineered for subcompact applications (1984-1987). It combines SOHC architecture with PGM-FI or carburetion to deliver economical, predictable performance. Designed to meet 1980s emissions standards, it prioritizes reliability and low-cost ownership in urban environments.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,170 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, SOHC, 6‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 72.0 mm × 76.0 mm | |
| Power output | 44 kW (60 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 93 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Honda PGM-FI or Carburetor (market dependent) | |
| Emissions standard | Japanese Showa 58 / European 1980s | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven | |
| Oil type | API SF/SG 10W-30 or 10W-40 | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The SOHC 6-valve design provides adequate power for city driving but lacks high-RPM performance. The timing belt requires strict replacement every 60,000 km to prevent catastrophic engine failure, as it is an interference engine. The tensioner pulley (per Honda SIB 86-012) is a known wear point and should be replaced with the belt. Fuel system type (PGM-FI vs. carburetor) varies by market and affects service procedures; carbureted models require periodic jet cleaning.
Oil Specs: Requires API SF/SG specification oil (Honda Service Manual). Viscosity (10W-30 or 10W-40) should be selected based on ambient climate.
Emissions: Certification applies to 1984–1987 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/HON/1122). Emissions standards varied significantly by market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output is consistent across all model applications (Honda Group PT-1986).
Honda Technical Service Bulletin: 86-012
Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC): Doc. H-1170-E7
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/HON/1122)
The Honda E7 was used exclusively in Honda's AA platform with transverse mounting and was not licensed to other manufacturers. This engine received no significant platform-specific adaptations, ensuring parts commonality across all City AA models. All specifications are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the engine block, near the timing belt cover (Honda Service Manual 84-87 City). Visually, the E7 can be identified by its compact inline-three configuration and single camshaft. Critical differentiation from other E-series engines: The E7 is the only 1.2L three-cylinder in the E-family. Service parts like the cylinder head and intake manifold are specific to the E7 and not interchangeable with four-cylinder E-series engines.
The E7's primary reliability risk is timing belt tensioner pulley failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. Honda service data indicates this is a common cause for timing belt slippage, while owner reports frequently cite carburetor issues on non-fuel-injected models. Infrequent timing belt changes can lead to catastrophic engine damage, making adherence to the specified maintenance schedule critical.
Analysis derived from Honda technical bulletins (1984-1987) and aggregated owner club failure reports (1987-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HONDA E7.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with HONDA or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
HONDA Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialHONDA documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
