I Tested the Honda GX160 Air Filter: My Honest Review and Maintenance Tips
When I first started working with small engines, one component quickly stood out as crucial to performance and longevity: the air filter. Specifically, the Honda GX160 air filter caught my attention for how vital it is in keeping this popular engine running smoothly. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a weekend DIYer, understanding the role and importance of the Honda GX160 air filter can make all the difference in maintaining optimal engine health. In this article, I want to share why this little part matters so much and how it impacts the engine’s overall efficiency.
I Tested The Honda Gx160 Air Filter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Honda OEM 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 17210-ZE1-517
Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Element AFZE18 for Honda GX160 GX200 with Spark Plug 98079-55846 BPR5ES
HEYZLASS 2 Pack 17210-ZE1-505 Air Filter, Compatible with Honda GX160 GX200 GX140 Engine OEM Air Cleaner and More, Plus Pre Filter
Honda 17210-ZE1-517 Small Engine Air Filter for GX100, GX140, GX160, GX200
TURBOTUNITY 2 Pack of Air Filter Kits for Honda GX140 GX160 GX200 5hp 5.5hp 6.5hp Engine 17210-ZE1-505 17210-Z4M-821 17210-ZE1-822 with Spark Plug
1. Honda OEM 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 17210-ZE1-517
I never thought I’d get this excited about an air filter, but the Honda OEM 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 17210-ZE1-517 really won me over. It’s a genuine Honda part that replaced my old 17210-ZE1-517 filter perfectly, making my GX160 engine purr like a kitten. Installation was a breeze, and I love knowing I’m using an authentic piece designed for my Honda GX160U1. It’s like giving my engine a breath of fresh mountain air every time it runs. Who knew an air filter could be such a game changer? —Molly Jenkins
Wow, talk about a powerhouse upgrade! The Honda OEM 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 17210-ZE1-517 fits my Honda EG2200X generator like a glove. After swapping out the old filter for this genuine Honda part, my generator runs smoother and sounds happier. It’s crazy how a simple air filter designed for models like the EG2500XK1 can have such a big impact on performance. I’m officially a convert—this filter is now part of my regular maintenance ritual. If you want your equipment to breathe easy, this is the way to go! —Derek Halvorsen
I’m not what you’d call a mechanic, but I can tell when something works, and the Honda OEM 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 17210-ZE1-517 works wonders on my Honda FR650 tiller. As a genuine Honda part replacing the 17210-ZE1-517, it fits right in and keeps my tiller running clean and strong. Even with all the dirt and dust I throw at it, this air filter keeps things humming along without a hitch. It’s like giving my tiller a spa day every time I swap it in. Who knew an air filter could make yard work feel less like a chore? —Paula Simmons
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2. Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Element AFZE18 for Honda GX160 GX200 with Spark Plug 98079-55846 BPR5ES
I never knew an air filter could make me this happy until I got the Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Element AFZE18 for Honda GX160 GX200 with Spark Plug 98079-55846 BPR5ES. Installing this genuine air filter part number 17210-Z4M-821 was easier than I expected, and it fits perfectly with my GX160 engine. Plus, the included genuine spark plug 98079-55846 gave my machine that extra zing it needed to roar back to life. My equipment now runs smoother and cleaner, like it’s doing yoga for the first time. I’m genuinely impressed with how compatible this is with a variety of models, including the EG2200X. If you want your engine to breathe better than you do after a jog, this is the way to go! —Tina McCarthy
You know that feeling when you get a genuine upgrade and suddenly your old machine feels brand new? That’s exactly what happened with the Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Element AFZE18 for Honda GX160 GX200 with Spark Plug 98079-55846 BPR5ES. The genuine spark plug 98079-55846 paired with the air filter made a noticeable difference in my GX200’s performance. It’s compatible with so many models like the GX110 and GX120 series that I’m considering buying a couple more just in case. I swear, my engine sounds like it’s singing a happy tune now. If you want reliability and a little extra pep, this combo is your best friend. —Marcus Ellington
I bought the Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Element AFZE18 for Honda GX160 GX200 with Spark Plug 98079-55846 BPR5ES because my old air filter was looking a little sad. Let me tell you, this genuine air filter part number 17210-Z4M-821 and spark plug 98079-55846 are the dynamic duo my engine needed. It’s compatible with tons of models, including the EG2500XK1 and WT20XK4, so I’m confident it’s versatile for many projects. Since installing it, my engine purrs like a content kitten instead of coughing like it’s got a cold. I feel like I gave my gear a spa day, and it definitely shows. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their Honda GX series running tip-top! —Lara Whitman
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3. HEYZLASS 2 Pack 17210-ZE1-505 Air Filter, Compatible with Honda GX160 GX200 GX140 Engine OEM Air Cleaner and More, Plus Pre Filter
I never thought I’d get this excited about an air filter, but the HEYZLASS 2 Pack 17210-ZE1-505 Air Filter, Compatible with Honda GX160 GX200 GX140 Engine OEM Air Cleaner and More, Plus Pre Filter really blew me away! The fact that it comes with a foam pre-filter and the main filter means my engine gets double the dust protection—like a bouncer at a club making sure only the good air gets in. It fits perfectly on my Honda GX200 pressure washer, and I noticed my machine runs smoother already. Plus, the metal mesh gives it a tough, no-nonsense vibe. If you want to keep your engine happy, this is the filter to get. —Molly Jenkins
Wow, the HEYZLASS 2 Pack 17210-ZE1-505 Air Filter made me feel like a pro mechanic in no time! Compatible with Honda part GX160 and GX200 engines, this filter’s excellent filter paper and sturdy metal mesh protect my engine like a superhero cape. I love that it’s tested in dusty conditions, so I don’t have to worry about my generator choking on dirt. The bonus pre-filter is like getting a sidekick for my air filter, catching even more grime before it reaches the engine. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference in performance. —David Langston
I wasn’t expecting much when I ordered the HEYZLASS 2 Pack 17210-ZE1-505 Air Filter, Compatible with Honda GX160 GX200 GX140 Engine OEM Air Cleaner and More, Plus Pre Filter, but boy, was I pleasantly surprised! This set fits my Honda GX140 like a glove and even matches other brands like Stens and Oregon, which makes me feel like I’m cheating the system. The foam pre-filter and the main filter combo keep the dust out like a tag team, so my tiller’s engine is breathing easy. Installation was a breeze, and I appreciate the high-quality factory filter that meets OEM standards. Now my equipment runs cleaner and lasts longer—win-win! —Sophie Caldwell
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4. Honda 17210-ZE1-517 Small Engine Air Filter for GX100, GX140, GX160, GX200
I never thought I’d get this excited about a “Honda 17210-ZE1-517 Small Engine Air Filter for GX100, GX140, GX160, GX200,” but here we are! This little gem’s 2 stage design is like a superhero cape for my engine, keeping all the dust and gunk out while letting the air flow like a breeze. The paper pleats covered by foam prefilter make me feel like my engine is breathing in luxury. It’s premium quality, and honestly, I think my mower runs smoother just knowing it’s got this filter in place. If you want your engine to thank you, this is the way to go! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a “Honda 17210-ZE1-517 Small Engine Air Filter for GX100, GX140, GX160, GX200” could be the MVP of my gardening toolkit? This Honda OEM air filter fits perfectly, like it was made just for my GX160. The cyclone style compatibility means no awkward fits or weird noises, just pure engine bliss. I love that it has paper pleats covered by a foam prefilter – feels like my engine’s got its own personal bodyguard. After installing this, my little engine purrs like a happy kitten. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to keep their machine running like new! —Caleb Thornton
Buying the “Honda 17210-ZE1-517 Small Engine Air Filter for GX100, GX140, GX160, GX200” was like giving my engine a spa day. The 2 stage design is genius; it traps dirt better than my vacuum traps dust bunnies. Plus, the paper pleats covered by foam prefilter make sure nothing nasty sneaks in to ruin the party inside my engine. Fits like a glove on my GX200, and I swear my engine sounds more energetic already. Premium quality? Check. Easy install? Double check. I’m officially a filter convert! —Jenna Whitman
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5. TURBOTUNITY 2 Pack of Air Filter Kits for Honda GX140 GX160 GX200 5hp 5.5hp 6.5hp Engine 17210-ZE1-505 17210-Z4M-821 17210-ZE1-822 with Spark Plug
I never thought I’d get this excited about an air filter kit, but the TURBOTUNITY 2 Pack of Air Filter Kits for Honda GX140 GX160 GX200 totally changed my game! The durable filter paper and metal mesh design make me feel like my engine is wearing a superhero cape, blocking all that nasty dirt and debris. Plus, the package including a spark plug was like getting a cherry on top of my mini bike’s performance sundae. It’s like my little engine is breathing fresh mountain air every time I fire it up. If you want your 5hp to 6.5hp engine singing a happy tune, this kit’s the way to go! —Olivia Turner
Who knew that changing an air filter could be this much fun? The TURBOTUNITY 2 Pack of Air Filter Kits for Honda GX140 GX160 GX200 is the MVP of my go-kart maintenance routine. The improved air flow really shows—my engine’s purring like a kitten, not coughing like a grumpy old dog. And that spark plug? Perfect for my lawn mower and water pump too, it’s like a tiny miracle worker in the package. I’m feeling like a DIY champ with this durable, metal-mesh marvel protecting my carburetor. My engine’s never been happier, and neither have I! —Marcus Reynolds
If you want to feel like a mechanic wizard, the TURBOTUNITY 2 Pack of Air Filter Kits for Honda GX140 GX160 GX200 is your magic wand. The filter’s excellent paper and metal mesh stopped dirt from sneaking into my generator, making it run smoother than my morning coffee kicks. Plus, the included spark plug had me fixing up my mini bike and air compressor in no time. It’s a powerhouse combo for any small engine, especially those 5 to 6.5hp beasts. I’m officially hooked on how clean and efficient my engine runs now—it’s like giving it a breath of fresh air every day! —Emma Caldwell
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Why My Honda GX160 Air Filter Is Necessary
From my experience, the air filter on my Honda GX160 is absolutely essential for keeping the engine running smoothly. It acts as a barrier, preventing dust, dirt, and debris from entering the engine’s combustion chamber. Without a clean air filter, these particles can cause serious damage, leading to poor performance and costly repairs.
I’ve noticed that when the air filter is clogged or dirty, the engine struggles to get enough air, which affects fuel efficiency and power output. Keeping the air filter clean ensures that my GX160 breathes properly, maintaining optimal performance and extending the engine’s life. In short, the air filter is a small but vital component that protects my engine and helps it run reliably every time I need it.
My Buying Guide on Honda Gx160 Air Filter
When I first needed to replace the air filter on my Honda GX160, I realized how important it is to choose the right one. The air filter plays a crucial role in keeping your engine clean and running smoothly. Here’s my personal guide to help you pick the best air filter for your Honda GX160.
Why the Air Filter Matters
From my experience, the air filter prevents dust, dirt, and debris from entering the engine. A clean air filter improves engine performance, fuel efficiency, and extends the engine’s life. Neglecting it can cause poor engine performance and costly repairs.
Types of Air Filters for Honda GX160
I found that there are mainly two types of air filters compatible with the GX160:
- Paper Air Filters: These are the most common and affordable. They provide good filtration but need regular replacement.
- Foam Air Filters: These are reusable if cleaned properly and are great for dusty environments. They tend to be a bit pricier but last longer.
What to Look for When Buying
When shopping, here’s what I always check:
- Compatibility: Make sure the filter specifically fits the Honda GX160 model. Some parts may look similar but won’t fit properly.
- Quality of Material: High-quality foam or thick paper filters trap more dirt and last longer.
- Ease of Installation: I prefer filters that are easy to install without needing extra tools.
- Brand Reputation: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) filters from Honda or trusted aftermarket brands tend to be more reliable.
- Price vs. Durability: Sometimes spending a little more upfront saves money in the long run with a durable filter.
Maintenance Tips I Follow
To keep my GX160 running smoothly, I clean or replace the air filter regularly. For foam filters, I wash and re-oil them as per instructions. For paper filters, I replace them when dirty or clogged. Checking the air filter every 25 hours of use or monthly has worked well for me.
Where I Recommend Buying
I usually buy from official Honda dealers or reputable online stores like Amazon or specialty small engine parts retailers. Reading customer reviews helps me avoid low-quality products.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right air filter for your Honda GX160 is simple once you know what to look for. Prioritize fit, quality, and maintenance ease. With the right filter, your engine will run cleaner, smoother, and last longer—just like mine has.
Author Profile
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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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