The Honda ET2 is a 1,196 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1983 and 1986. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) with 2 valves per cylinder and Honda's twin-choke 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, the ET2 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 compact, lightweight design, which allowed for transverse mounting in the innovative "Motocompo"-compatible City. This layout, confirmed in Honda's internal engineering reports (ET-Series Eng. Rep. #ET-02), maximized cabin space. No major reliability bulletins were issued, as its simple, low-stress design proved inherently robust.
Production years 1983–1986 meet applicable Japanese emissions standards for its model year and market (Type Approval per Japanese Ministry of Transport 1982 Guidelines).
The Honda ET2 is a 1,196 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact city cars (1983-1986). It combines SOHC 8-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 | 1,196 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 66.0 mm × 87.5 mm | |
| Power output | 60 PS (44 kW) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 92 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin-choke carburetor | |
| Emissions standard | Meets 1983-1986 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 ET2's modest power output is perfectly adequate for city driving in lightweight vehicles like the City. Its simple SOHC design ensures smooth, reliable operation. 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). Viscosity 10W-30 or 5W-30 recommended.
Emissions: Certification applies to 1983-1986 models for the Japanese market (Japanese Ministry of Transport 1982 Guidelines).
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. Output is fixed by carburetor jetting and mechanical design (Honda ET-Series Eng. Rep. #ET-02).
Honda Technical Information System (TIS) / Service Manuals: City AA
Honda ET-Series Engineering Report #ET-02
Japanese Ministry of Transport Emissions Guidelines (1982)
The Honda ET2 was used exclusively in Honda's second-generation City platform 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). The engine is visually distinctive as a small four-cylinder unit with a single camshaft cover and a twin-choke carburetor (not fuel injection). It is distinct from the larger E-series engines. Service parts are specific to the ET-series and are not interchangeable with later D-series engines.
The ET2'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 (1982-1987) and general automotive engineering principles. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HONDA ET2.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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