GCV160 Pull Start Assembly Recoil Starter for Honda GCV 160 GCV135 GCV190 28400-Z0L-V20ZA Lawn Mower Pressure Wahser Engine Parts Black

What It Is

This is a complete replacement pull start (recoil starter) assembly for Honda GCV series engines, commonly used on walk-behind mowers, pressure washers, and small utility engines. It restores the starter mechanism when the rope snaps, spring breaks, or pawls fail.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Engines: Honda GCV160, GCV135, GCV190 (vertical shaft). Not for horizontal shaft engines.
• OEM Part#: 28400-Z0L-V20ZA (direct replacement). Some aftermarket versions may differ slightly in rope length or spring tension.
• What to check before buying: Measure the bolt hole spacing on your current starter (center-to-center distance between the two mounting screws). This assembly uses a standard 2.75" (70mm) spacing. Also verify the rope diameter (usually 3.5mm) and that the starter cup on your flywheel is the same style (centrifugal pawl type). If your engine has a different mounting pattern or uses a different recoil design (e.g., GCVx series with electric start), this will not fit.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Aftermarket version of the OEM Honda part. Works fine for most users but the rope may fray faster than OEM. The plastic housing is durable but not identical in thickness to original. Check for burrs on the rope exit hole before installing.
• Installation difficulty: Easy (15-30 minutes). Requires removing the two mounting bolts, transferring the old rope handle if needed, and aligning the starter cup. No special tools needed beyond a screwdriver and maybe a socket.
• Common gotchas: The spring may come pre-wound or not. If it doesn’t have tension, wind it by turning the pulley clockwise 3-4 full rotations before mounting. Also ensure the rope is fully seated in the pulley groove—if it slips out during first pull, the spring can jam. Finally, the starter cup on your engine must be clean and not warped; a bent cup will cause the pawls to catch unevenly.
• Rope length: Typically 60-70 inches. If your engine has a long pull distance (e.g., pressure washer), you may need a longer rope—this kit’s rope is standard mower length.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you need a quick, budget-friendly fix for a broken pull start on a Honda GCV160/135/190 mower or pressure washer and are comfortable with basic DIY installation. It’s not OEM quality but works reliably for casual use. Skip it if you want a perfect factory match or have a horizontal shaft engine—buy the OEM Honda assembly instead.