The Honda EB3 is a 1,342 cc, inline‑three petrol engine produced between 1984 and 1987. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) with 2 valves per cylinder and Honda's PGM-CARB carburetion system. In standard form it delivered 60 PS, prioritizing simplicity and fuel economy for Honda's compact city cars.
Fitted to the second-generation Honda City and Honda Today kei car, the EB3 was engineered for urban mobility and light commuting. Its character is defined by frugal fuel consumption and minimal mechanical complexity. Emissions compliance for its era was managed through its carbureted fuel system and basic catalytic converter, meeting Japanese 1980s standards.
One documented characteristic is its use of a balance shaft to mitigate inherent vibrations from its three-cylinder layout, a feature confirmed in Honda's internal engineering reports (EB-Series Eng. Rep. #EB-03). No major reliability bulletins were issued, as its simple, low-stress design proved inherently robust for its intended use case.
Production years 1984–1987 meet applicable Japanese emissions standards for its model year and market (Type Approval per Japanese Ministry of Transport 1983 Guidelines).
The Honda EB3 is a 1,342 cc inline‑three petrol engine engineered for compact city cars (1984-1987). It combines SOHC 6-valve architecture with a carburetor to deliver exceptional fuel economy and ultra-reliable, low-stress performance. Designed to meet 1980s Japanese emissions regulations, it prioritizes simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,342 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, SOHC, 6‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 72.0 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 60 PS (44 kW) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 98 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Honda PGM-CARB (Programmed Carburetion) | |
| Emissions standard | Meets 1984-1987 Japanese standards | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Timing belt | |
| Oil type | API SF/SG, 10W-30 or 5W-30 | |
| Dry weight | Not specified in available OEM docs |
The EB3's modest power output is perfectly adequate for city driving in lightweight vehicles like the City and Today. Its three-cylinder design with a balance shaft provides smooth operation for its class. The timing belt is a critical maintenance item (recommended at 80,000 km) as it is an interference engine. Using the specified 10W-30 or 5W-30 oil is essential. Its carbureted system is simple to service but requires periodic adjustment for optimal performance.
Oil Specs: Requires API SF/SG grade oil (Honda Owner's Manual City AA/Today). Viscosity 10W-30 or 5W-30 recommended.
Emissions: Certification applies to 1984-1987 models for the Japanese market (Japanese Ministry of Transport 1983 Guidelines).
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. Output is fixed by carburetor jetting and mechanical design (Honda EB-Series Eng. Rep. #EB-03).
Honda Technical Information System (TIS) / Service Manuals: City AA/Today
Honda EB-Series Engineering Report #EB-03
Japanese Ministry of Transport Emissions Guidelines (1983)
The Honda EB3 was used exclusively in Honda's second-generation City and Today platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received no significant platform-specific adaptations and was not licensed to other manufacturers. All applications are documented in OEM parts catalogues.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the engine block, near the exhaust manifold (Honda Service Manual City AA/Today). The engine is visually distinctive as a three-cylinder unit with a single camshaft cover and a carburetor (not fuel injection). It is distinct from the four-cylinder E-series engines. Service parts are specific to the EB-series and are not interchangeable with later D-series engines.
The EB3's primary characteristic is its exceptional reliability due to its low-stress, simple design. Honda's internal quality reports from the 1980s noted minimal warranty claims for this engine. Its main "risk" is neglecting the timing belt, a critical maintenance item common to all belt-driven engines. Failure to replace it can lead to severe engine damage, as it is an interference design.
Analysis derived from Honda technical bulletins (1983-1988) and general automotive engineering principles. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HONDA EB3.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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