Document ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2004-0008-0507
Agency: epa
Document Type: Supporting & Related Material
Title: 
Posted Date: 2007-01-16T05:00Z

Honda Releases the iGX440 Next-Generation General Purpose Engine with
Electronic Control Technology—a World’s First

 

The iGX440 employs Honda’s newly developed world’s-first1 electronic
governor2 (STR3 GOVERNOR) electronic engine speed control technology,
which eliminates the need for a battery. The electronic governor system
allows the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) to continuously monitor
throttle opening and engine speed, electronically regulating throttle
opening to maintain a constant engine speed even under changing engine
load conditions. This intelligent control technology permits selection
of the appropriate engine speed characteristics and the setting of
optimum maximum and idling rpms for power products fitted with the
iGX440. Also, the power product’s ECU can communicate with the
engine’ ECU and control its speed, making the power product easier to
operate.

In addition, an auto fuel valve4 and auto choke5 eliminate the need for
the operator to open and close the fuel valve or adjust the choke, for a
significant improvement in ease of operation. 

The iGX440 also boasts environmental performance among the best in the
world, achieving emissions levels approximately 30% less1 than those
stipulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Phase 2
emission standards and the California Air Resources Board Tier II
emissions standards—the most stringent in the world. Fuel economy has
been improved over engines of the same class6 by approximately 15%7, and
noise reduced by approximately 4dB(A)8.

In the future, Honda intends to expand its lineup of iGX-series engines
employing this intelligent technology, to set a new standard in
next-generation general purpose engines. 

1	According to Honda survey 

2	Governor: a device that regulates engine speed (maintains a constant
engine speed, despite load fluctuations)

3	Self Tuning Regulator: self-adjusting device 

4	Auto fuel valve: a device that automatically turns the fuel supply on
and off in accordance with engine operation. 

5	Auto choke: a device that automatically limits air intake during
engine startup to enrich the air-fuel mixture.(equipped as standard to
starter motor type)

6	15-horsepower class

7	When operating in EPA mode for one hour

8	EU noise regulations, operating in generator measurement mode

 	Main Features of the iGX440

 	World’s first1 electronic governor2 (STR3 GOVERNOR)

 	The newly developed world’s-first1 electronic governor system
features a power coil9 which generates electricity to start the ECU,
making a battery unnecessary. This governor system allows the ECU to
continuously monitor throttle opening and engine speed, electronically
regulating throttle opening to maintain a constant, stable engine speed
even under changing load conditions. Engine speed characteristics can be
selected from among nine different settings, and maximum and idling rpm
settings freely changed to suit power products fitted with the iGX440,
making it readily adaptable to a variety of different applications. 

 	·

Maintenance of constant engine speed 

The ECU precisely controls engine speed to ensure a minimum of
variations from the set speed fluctuations due to ambient temperature,
engine break-in, or load.

·

DBW (Drive-By-Wire) 

All control systems are electronically connected by wire. This makes
operation easier and allows one-touch connection between the power
products switch and the engine via a coupler connection for
remote-controlled engine speed adjustment.

·

Engine control communications

Communication between the engine’s ECU and the power product’s ECU
allows the power product to control engine speeds for improved
operability.

·

Self-diagnostic function

A blinking LED provides error confirmation and facilitates easy
troubleshooting diagnosis. Connecting the engine to a personal computer
provides a more detailed diagnosis, allowing the operator to check the
engine’s operating history (operating time, number of startups,
warnings, faulty operation reports, etc.). 

 	9

Power coil: an electrical coil installed on the engine to start the ECU.

 	Environmental performance

 	The iGX440 achieves emissions levels around 30% less1 than those
stipulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Phase 2
emission standards and the California Air Resources Board Tier II
emissions standards—the most stringent in the world. Its environmental
performance is among the highest in the world. Fuel economy has also
been improved over engines of same class6 by approximately 15%7, and
noise reduced by approximately 4dB(A)8

 	Specifications

 	Model

iGX440 

Type 

Air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder gasoline (OHC) 

Displacement (cm3) 

438 

Length × Width × Height (mm) 

407 × 505 × 454 

Fitted weight (kg) 

45 

Dry weight (kg) 

39

Cylinders / Bore × Stroke (mm) 

1 / 88 × 72.1 

Max. power (gross) [kW(PS) / rpm] 

11.2(15) / 3,600 

Direction of rotation 

Left (viewed from output shaft side) 

Fuel 

Unleaded automobile gasoline 

Fuel tank capacity (l) 

6.5 

Lubricating oil capacity (l) 

1.1

Carburetor 

Butterfly 

Ignition 

CDI 

Governor system 

Electronic (STR GOVERNOR) 

Starting system 

Recoil starter 

Starter motor 

Choke 

Manual 

Automatic 

Fuel valve 

Automatic 

Automatic 

  FILENAME  Honda Releases the iGX440 Next.doc 	Page   PAGE  1  of  
NUMPAGES  4 	rbagustin