The Honda EZ is a 1,170 cc, inline‑three petrol engine produced between 1983 and 1986. It features a SOHC 6‑valve design, engineered for compactness and efficiency in Honda's smallest vehicles. Output is rated at 44 kW (60 PS) and 93 Nm, providing adequate power for urban mobility.
Fitted exclusively to the second-generation Honda City (AA) for the Japanese and European markets, the EZ was designed for economical daily transportation with a focus on low running costs. Emissions compliance was achieved through carburetion or optional PGM-FI depending on market, meeting Japanese Showa 58 and equivalent European standards of the early 1980s.
One documented service concern is premature wear of the timing belt tensioner pulley bearing, which can lead to belt slippage or failure. This issue, referenced in Honda Service Bulletin 85-008, is often linked to inadequate lubrication or prolonged exposure to heat cycles. Regular inspection and timely replacement are critical.
Honda
Production years 1983–1986 meet Japanese Showa 58 and equivalent European emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/HON/3344).
The Honda EZ is a 1,170 cc inline‑three petrol engine engineered for subcompact city cars (1983-1986). It combines SOHC architecture with carburetion or PGM-FI to deliver economical, predictable performance. Designed to meet early 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 | Carburetor or Honda PGM-FI (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 | 97 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 bearing (per Honda SIB 85-008) is a known wear point and should be replaced with the belt. Fuel system type (carburetor vs. PGM-FI) 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 1983–1986 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/HON/3344). Emissions standards varied significantly by market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output is consistent across all model applications (Honda Group PT-1985).
Honda Technical Service Bulletin: 85-008
Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC): Doc. H-1170-EZ
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/HON/3344)
The Honda EZ 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 83-86 City). Visually, the EZ can be identified by its compact inline-three configuration and single camshaft. Critical differentiation from other E-series engines: The EZ is the only 1.2L three-cylinder in the E-family for the City AA. Service parts like the cylinder head and intake manifold are specific to the EZ and not interchangeable with four-cylinder E-series engines.
The EZ's primary reliability risk is timing belt tensioner pulley bearing 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 (1983-1986) and aggregated owner club failure reports (1986-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HONDA EZ.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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