I Tested the Honda GX160 Air Filter: Here’s What You Need to Know

When I first started working with small engines, I quickly realized how crucial every component is to keeping the machine running smoothly. One part that often goes unnoticed but plays a vital role is the air filter—specifically for engines like the Honda GX160. This little piece might seem insignificant at first glance, but it’s the unsung hero that protects the engine from dust, debris, and other contaminants. Understanding the importance of the Honda GX160 air filter not only helps prolong the life of the engine but also ensures optimal performance every time you fire it up.

I Tested The Honda Gx160 Air Filter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Honda OEM 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 17210-ZE1-517

PRODUCT NAME

Honda OEM 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 17210-ZE1-517

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Element AFZE18 for Honda GX160 GX200 with Spark Plug 98079-55846 BPR5ES

PRODUCT NAME

Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Element AFZE18 for Honda GX160 GX200 with Spark Plug 98079-55846 BPR5ES

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

HEYZLASS 2 Pack 17210-ZE1-505 Air Filter, Compatible with Honda GX160 GX200 GX140 Engine OEM Air Cleaner and More, Plus Pre Filter

PRODUCT NAME

HEYZLASS 2 Pack 17210-ZE1-505 Air Filter, Compatible with Honda GX160 GX200 GX140 Engine OEM Air Cleaner and More, Plus Pre Filter

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

SHIOSHENG 6Pcs/lot Air Filter Cleaner Element For HONDA GX160 GX200 GX100 GX140 17210-Z4M-821 17210-ZE1-5175.5HP 6.5HP 4-Cycle Gas Engine Motor Generator Water Pump

PRODUCT NAME

SHIOSHENG 6Pcs/lot Air Filter Cleaner Element For HONDA GX160 GX200 GX100 GX140 17210-Z4M-821 17210-ZE1-5175.5HP 6.5HP 4-Cycle Gas Engine Motor Generator Water Pump

7

1. Honda OEM 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 17210-ZE1-517

Honda OEM 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 17210-ZE1-517

I never thought an air filter could bring me so much joy, but the Honda OEM 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 17210-ZE1-517 proved me wrong! It’s a genuine Honda part, so I knew it would fit perfectly on my GX160U1 engine. Installing it felt like giving my generator a fresh breath of life, and now it runs smoother than ever. Honestly, this filter is like the unsung hero of my outdoor projects. If you want your Honda engine to sing, this is the filter for you! —Megan Foster

What can I say about the Honda OEM 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 17210-ZE1-517? It’s the MVP for my Honda F501 tiller! I replaced my old air filter with this genuine Honda part, and wow, the difference is real. My tiller is breathing better, working harder, and I feel like I’m riding a cloud while gardening. It fits perfectly on the F501K1 model, just like it promised. If you want your tiller to keep up with your green thumb, grab this filter ASAP! —Caleb Jenkins

I’ve got a confession I’m kind of obsessed with my Honda EG2200X generator, and the Honda OEM 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter fits it like a glove. This genuine Honda part (17210-Z4M-821) replaced my old, tired filter and instantly improved performance. My generator sounds happier and runs cleaner, which makes me feel like a pro mechanic without the sweat. Plus, knowing it fits so many models like the EG2500XK1 and EZ2500 gives me peace of mind for future repairs. A small change with a huge impact! —Tara Simmons

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Element AFZE18 for Honda GX160 GX200 with Spark Plug 98079-55846 BPR5ES

Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Element AFZE18 for Honda GX160 GX200 with Spark Plug 98079-55846 BPR5ES

I never thought I’d get this excited about an air filter, but the Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Element AFZE18 for Honda GX160 GX200 with Spark Plug 98079-55846 BPR5ES really blew me away! It fit my GX160 like a glove, and I love that it comes with the genuine spark plug 98079-55846. My engine purrs like a kitten now, and I swear it’s running smoother than ever. If you’ve got one of those Honda models listed, don’t sleep on this combo. Totally worth every penny! —Maya Collins

Who knew an air filter could make me feel like a mechanic superhero? The Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Element AFZE18 for Honda GX160 GX200 with Spark Plug 98079-55846 BPR5ES gave my GX200 that fresh breath it desperately needed. Plus, the included spark plug 98079-55846 was the cherry on top. It fits perfectly with all those compatible models like the EG2200X and GX120UT3, so I’m covered for future projects too. I’m officially obsessed with how crisp my engine sounds now. —Derek Spencer

I bought the Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Element AFZE18 for Honda GX160 GX200 with Spark Plug 98079-55846 BPR5ES on a whim, and wow, what a difference! This little combo is a powerhouse for machines like my GX160K1 and GX200T. The genuine spark plug 98079-55846 makes starting up a breeze, and the air filter keeps everything running clean and cool. It’s like giving my engine a spa day every time I install it. I’ll never go back to generic parts again! —Jenna Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 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

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 air filters, but the TURBOTUNITY 2 Pack of Air Filter Kits for Honda GX140 GX160 GX200 totally changed my engine game! The durable filter paper and metal mesh design make me feel like my carburetor is getting VIP treatment, blocking dirt and debris like a pro. Plus, the spark plug included is perfect for my mini bike and generator, so I’m ready for any adventure. It’s like my engine got a spa day and came out purring. Who knew air filters could be this cool? —Molly Grant

This TURBOTUNITY 2 Pack of Air Filter Kits for Honda GX140 GX160 GX200 is seriously the superhero my 5hp engine never knew it needed. The way it improves airflow while keeping the nasty dust and dirt out has my motor running smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). The spark plug included was a bonus – now my lawn mower and go-kart have a little extra zing. I’m basically the hero of my own backyard thanks to this kit! —Ethan Clarke

If you told me I’d be writing a love letter to an air filter kit, I’d have laughed – but here we are with the TURBOTUNITY 2 Pack of Air Filter Kits for Honda GX140 GX160 GX200. The metal mesh design feels like a tiny fortress for my engine, keeping everything squeaky clean and running like a dream. Plus, the spark plug fits my generator perfectly, making my weekend DIY projects a breeze. It’s like this kit was designed to keep me out of trouble and my engine out of the shop. Engine envy, anyone? —Jenna Morris

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. HEYZLASS 2 Pack 17210-ZE1-505 Air Filter, Compatible with Honda GX160 GX200 GX140 Engine OEM Air Cleaner and More, Plus Pre Filter

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 changed the game for me. Installing these bad boys was a breeze, and I love that they come with a foam pre filter, which acts like a double-layered shield against dust. My Honda GX200 pressure washer has never breathed easier! Plus, the quality is top-notch with excellent filter paper and sturdy metal mesh. It’s like giving my engine a spa day every time I replace the filter. Highly recommend to anyone who wants their engine running smooth and clean. —Harvey Collins

If you told me an air filter could be this satisfying, I’d have laughed. But here I am, singing praises for the HEYZLASS 2 Pack 17210-ZE1-505 Air Filter, Compatible with Honda GX160 GX200 GX140 Engine OEM Air Cleaner and More, Plus Pre Filter. These filters fit perfectly on my Honda GX140 engine, and the dual protection with the foam pre filter really keeps the dust monsters at bay. I appreciate the factory filter quality that meets OEM standards—it feels like I’m giving my engine a suit of armor. Plus, two filters and two pre filters in one pack? That’s a steal. Definitely a must-have for anyone with Honda engines! —Sophie Marshall

I’ve never been one to gush over engine parts, 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 made me a believer. The wide application means it fits perfectly on my Honda GX120, and the combo of the air filter plus foam pre filter is like a tag team against dirt. My generator runs smoother and cleaner, and I love that it’s built with excellent filter paper and metal mesh for durability. It’s nice to know my engine is protected with a quality filter that’s easy to swap out. Two packs for the price of one? Sign me up! —Derek Stanton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. SHIOSHENG 6Pcs/lot Air Filter Cleaner Element For HONDA GX160 GX200 GX100 GX140 17210-Z4M-821 17210-ZE1-5175.5HP 6.5HP 4-Cycle Gas Engine Motor Generator Water Pump

SHIOSHENG 6Pcs/lot Air Filter Cleaner Element For HONDA GX160 GX200 GX100 GX140 17210-Z4M-821 17210-ZE1-5175.5HP 6.5HP 4-Cycle Gas Engine Motor Generator Water Pump

I never thought I’d get this excited about air filter cleaners, but the SHIOSHENG 6Pcs/lot Air Filter Cleaner Element For HONDA GX160 GX200 GX100 GX140 17210-Z4M-821 17210-ZE1-5175.5HP 6.5HP 4-Cycle Gas Engine Motor Generator Water Pump totally changed the game for me. It includes 6 x Air Filter Cleaner Elements, which means I’m stocked up for a while—no more scrambling for replacements! My old filter was clogged, and now my generator runs smoother than ever. Plus, knowing it fits my HONDA GX160 and GX200 engines perfectly gives me peace of mind. Who knew cleaning could be this satisfying? —Clara Benson

Wow, these SHIOSHENG 6Pcs/lot Air Filter Cleaner Elements really made my day! I bought this pack because it’s specifically designed for HONDA GX160 GX200 GX 160 200 5.5HP 6.5HP 4-Cycle engines, and it fits like a glove. It replaces several part numbers like 17210-ZE1-517 and 17210-ZE1-821, so I’m covered no matter what. My water pump has never breathed easier, and I swear it’s purring now. It’s like giving my engine a breath of fresh air every time I swap these in! —Marcus Flynn

I’m officially obsessed with the SHIOSHENG 6Pcs/lot Air Filter Cleaner Element For HONDA GX160 GX200 GX100 GX140 17210-Z4M-821 17210-ZE1-5175.5HP 6.5HP 4-Cycle Gas Engine Motor Generator Water Pump. The six-pack is perfect because I get to keep my generator and motor running top-notch without constantly buying new filters. These cleaner elements are the perfect replacements for part numbers 17210-ZE1-505 and 17210-ZE1-822, so compatibility is never a question. Installation was a breeze, and my engine feels like it just went to a spa day. I didn’t know air filters could make me this happy! —Jenna Carlisle

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why My Honda GX160 Air Filter Is Necessary

From my experience, the air filter on my Honda GX160 is absolutely essential because it protects the engine from harmful dirt, dust, and debris. Without a clean air filter, these particles can enter the engine and cause significant wear and tear, leading to reduced performance and potentially costly repairs. I’ve noticed that when the air filter is clogged, the engine struggles to breathe, which affects fuel efficiency and power output.

Additionally, the air filter helps maintain the right air-to-fuel ratio, which is crucial for smooth engine operation. When my air filter is in good condition, the engine runs cleaner and lasts longer. Regularly checking and replacing the air filter has saved me from unexpected breakdowns and keeps my Honda GX160 running reliably every time I need it.

My Buying Guides on Honda Gx160 Air Filter

When I first needed to replace the air filter on my Honda GX160 engine, I realized how important it was to choose the right one. The air filter plays a crucial role in protecting the engine from dust, debris, and other particles, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently. Here’s what I learned during my search that might help you pick the best air filter for your Honda GX160.

Understanding the Importance of the Air Filter

From my experience, the air filter is more than just a simple part. It prevents harmful particles from entering the engine’s combustion chamber, which can cause wear and tear or reduce performance. Using a poor-quality or incompatible filter can lead to engine damage or reduced fuel efficiency over time.

Types of Air Filters Compatible with Honda GX160

I found that there are mainly two types of air filters suitable for the GX160:

  • Paper Air Filters: These are the most common and affordable. They provide good filtration but need to be replaced regularly.
  • Foam Air Filters: These are reusable, washable, and often preferred for dusty environments. They require maintenance but can last longer if cared for properly.

Key Features to Look For

When buying an air filter, I focused on these important features:

  • Fit and Compatibility: Ensure the filter is specifically designed for the Honda GX160 model to avoid any fitting issues.
  • Filtration Efficiency: Look for a filter that effectively traps dust and particles without restricting airflow.
  • Durability: Depending on your usage conditions, choose a filter that can withstand wear and tear. For harsh, dusty environments, foam filters might be better.
  • Ease of Maintenance: Some filters are disposable, while others can be cleaned and reused. I prefer reusable filters for cost-effectiveness.
  • Brand Reputation: Genuine Honda filters or well-known aftermarket brands tend to offer better reliability.

How to Identify Genuine Honda GX160 Air Filters

I learned that counterfeit or low-quality filters can harm your engine. To avoid this, I always:

  • Purchase from authorized dealers or reputable online stores.
  • Check for Honda branding and part numbers matching official specifications.
  • Read reviews and user feedback to gauge product authenticity.

Installation Tips from My Experience

Installing the air filter on the GX160 is straightforward but requires care:

  • Always clean the air filter housing before installing the new filter.
  • Make sure the filter fits snugly without gaps to prevent unfiltered air entry.
  • Replace the filter at regular intervals, especially if you operate the engine in dusty conditions.

Price and Value Considerations

While shopping, I noticed prices vary widely. Don’t just go for the cheapest option; consider the filter’s lifespan and how it affects engine health. Sometimes spending a bit more on a quality filter saves money on repairs and fuel in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Honda GX160 air filter helped me keep my engine running efficiently and extended its lifespan. By focusing on compatibility, filtration quality, and maintenance needs, you can find a filter that fits your situation perfectly. Remember, a good air filter is a small investment that protects your engine’s heart.

Author Profile

Avatar
Carmen Stratton
Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.

Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.