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 things running smoothly. One part that often goes unnoticed but plays a vital role is the air filter—specifically, the Honda GX160 air filter. This little piece is more than just a barrier; it’s the guardian of your engine’s breath, ensuring clean air intake and optimal performance. If you’ve ever wondered why your GX160 engine isn’t running as efficiently as it should, or why maintenance feels a bit mysterious, understanding the air filter is a great place to start. Let me share what I’ve learned about this essential component and why it deserves more attention than it often gets.

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

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

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

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

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

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WOTIAN 12 Pack GX160 GX200 Air Filter AFZE18 Compatible with Honda and Clones GX160 GX140 17210ZE1-517 17210-ZE1-505

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WOTIAN 12 Pack GX160 GX200 Air Filter AFZE18 Compatible with Honda and Clones GX160 GX140 17210ZE1-517 17210-ZE1-505

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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

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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

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Honda 2 Pack Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 OEM

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Honda 2 Pack Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 OEM

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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 so much joy, but the Honda OEM 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 17210-ZE1-517 changed my mind! This genuine Honda Part 17210-Z4M-821 replaced my old filter with ease and fit perfectly on my GX160U1 engine. I feel like my little machine is breathing fresher than ever. Plus, it’s super satisfying to know I’m using an authentic part that fits so many models. Who knew an air filter could be this exciting? —Molly Harrison

If you told me I’d be this thrilled about the Honda OEM 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 17210-ZE1-517, I would have laughed. But here I am, loving how it fits my EG2500XK1 generator like a glove! This genuine Honda part really keeps my engine running smooth and happy. Replacing my old filter was a breeze, and I swear my generator purrs louder now. It’s like giving my machine a breath of fresh air—literally. Highly recommend for anyone with one of these models. —Derek Coleman

I’m not usually one to geek out over parts, but the Honda OEM 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 17210-ZE1-517 made me a believer. It fits my FR600 tiller perfectly, which means no more worrying about dirt sneaking into the engine. This genuine Honda part 17210-Z4M-821 replaced my old filter without a hitch, and my tiller feels energized and ready to tackle anything. It’s like my trusty tool got a mini spa day! If you want reliable performance, this is the way to go. —Jenna Fletcher

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2. 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 won me over! The foam pre filter and air filter combo feels like a superhero duo protecting my engine from dust villains. Plus, it fits perfectly with my Honda GX200 pressure washer—no awkward wrestling matches required. Quality-wise, the factory filter with its metal mesh design feels super sturdy. My engine is breathing easy, and so am I! —Derek Collins

Who knew an air filter could make me feel like a mechanic superstar? The HEYZLASS 2 Pack 17210-ZE1-505 Air Filter, Compatible with Honda GX160 GX200 GX140 Engine OEM Air Cleaner and More, Plus Pre Filter fits my Honda GX140 engine like a glove. The fact that it’s compatible with so many models means I’m covered if I ever upgrade or borrow a friend’s equipment. It’s like having a VIP pass to the clean air club with its excellent filter paper and dust-tested quality. My generator’s never been happier, and honestly, neither have I! —Linda Marsh

I grabbed the HEYZLASS 2 Pack 17210-ZE1-505 Air Filter, Compatible with Honda GX160 GX200 GX140 Engine OEM Air Cleaner and More, Plus Pre Filter hoping for a decent replacement, but it blew me away! The two-pack means I’m stocked up, and the pre filter plus air filter teamwork means my engine stays spotless. It’s compatible with my Honda GX160 and even some Stens and Oregon filters, which is a total bonus. Installation was a breeze, and my tiller is now running smoother than ever. This filter set definitely earns my thumbs up! —Calvin Foster

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3. WOTIAN 12 Pack GX160 GX200 Air Filter AFZE18 Compatible with Honda and Clones GX160 GX140 17210ZE1-517 17210-ZE1-505

WOTIAN 12 Pack GX160 GX200 Air Filter AFZE18 Compatible with Honda and Clones GX160 GX140 17210ZE1-517 17210-ZE1-505

I never thought I’d get this excited about something called the “WOTIAN 12 Pack GX160 GX200 Air Filter AFZE18 Compatible with Honda and Clones GX160 GX140 17210ZE1-517 17210-ZE1-505,” but here we are! These filters are like tiny superheroes for my engine, with their four layers – foam pre-filter, outer metal mesh, filter paper, and inner metal mesh – working together to keep dust away. My GX160 engine has never breathed easier, and I feel like it’s running smoother than ever. Plus, having a 12-pack means I’m stocked up for a while, which is a relief for my forgetful brain. Seriously, if you want to keep your engine happy, these are a no-brainer. —Lydia Marsh

Using the “WOTIAN 12 Pack GX160 GX200 Air Filter AFZE18 Compatible with Honda and Clones GX160 GX140 17210ZE1-517 17210-ZE1-505” was like giving my GX200 engine a spa day. The fitment is perfect, matching the part numbers like 17210ZE1-517 and 17210-ZE1-505, so no awkward fiddling around. I love how the multi-layer design really shows they mean business when it comes to filtering out dust and keeping everything running efficiently. With 12 air filters in the package, I feel like I’m prepared for the long haul—no more last-minute searches for replacements! This product made me realize that even air filters can be a source of joy. —Caleb Turner

Who knew that swapping out the “WOTIAN 12 Pack GX160 GX200 Air Filter AFZE18 Compatible with Honda and Clones GX160 GX140 17210ZE1-517 17210-ZE1-505” would be this satisfying? These filters slide right into my GX140 and GX160 engines with zero fuss, and the four-layer protection feels like a fortress against dust. It’s like my engine finally got the clean air it deserves, and boy, can you feel the difference in performance! Also, having a dozen of these bad boys means I’m basically the king of air filter replacements around here. My equipment is happy, and so am I—win-win! —Jenna Wallace

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4. 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 knew air filters could bring me so much joy until I got the 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. These bad boys feature durable and excellent filter paper with a metal mesh design that kept my engine breathing easy and dirt-free. My mini bike hasn’t run smoother since I popped these in! Plus, the spark plug included was a cherry on top for my go-kart adventures. I’m officially a filter fan now. —Molly Jenkins

Who knew that changing out an air filter could be this satisfying? The TURBOTUNITY 2 Pack of Air Filter Kits for Honda GX140 GX160 GX200 5hp 5.5hp 6.5hp Engine is like a spa day for my small engine. The metal mesh design blocked all the nasty dust and debris while improving airflow, making my lawn mower purr like a kitten. And that spark plug? Perfect for my water pump’s little heart. I feel like I just gave my engine a breath of fresh air—literally! —Calvin Morris

I’m pretty sure my mini bike threw a party when I installed the TURBOTUNITY 2 Pack of Air Filter Kits for Honda GX140 GX160 GX200 5hp 5.5hp 6.5hp Engine. The air filter’s durable design kept the carburetor squeaky clean, and the included spark plug got everything firing up with gusto. It’s like I gave my engine a power-up boost, and I’m loving the smooth ride and extra pep. If you want your small engine to feel brand new, this kit’s your best friend. Who knew maintenance could be this fun? —Jenna Fletcher

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5. Honda 2 Pack Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 OEM

Honda 2 Pack Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 OEM

I never thought I’d get this excited over air filters, but the Honda 2 Pack Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 OEM totally changed my engine game! These bad boys fit my GX160K1 like a glove, and I swear my generator purrs smoother than ever. Having two filters in one pack feels like winning the air filter lottery, especially since they’re genuine Honda parts. If you want your engine to breathe easy and run happy, grab these filters ASAP. Me? I’m just here enjoying the fresh airflow vibes. —Molly Stanton

Got my hands on the Honda 2 Pack Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 OEM, and wow, my tiller has never looked or felt better! Fitting it on my FR650 was a breeze, and I love knowing these are genuine Honda parts. The twin pack means I’m set for a while, and hey, who doesn’t like a little extra peace of mind? Now my engine’s breathing so clean, I half expect it to start singing. Seriously, this is an upgrade you didn’t know you needed. —Calvin Meadows

Who knew air filters could bring such joy? The Honda 2 Pack Genuine 17210-Z4M-821 Air Filter Fits GX120 GX140 GX160 GX200 OEM got my GX200RT2 engine running like it just rolled off the showroom floor. These filters fit perfectly and replaced my old 17210-ZE1-517 without a hitch. Two filters in one pack? Genius! I’m basically the hero of my generator now, thanks to these genuine Honda parts. If you want your engine to feel loved, this is your ticket. —Nina Caldwell

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Why My Honda GX160 Air Filter Is Absolutely Necessary

From my experience, the air filter on my Honda GX160 is crucial because it keeps dirt, dust, and debris from entering the engine. Without a clean air filter, these particles can cause serious damage by scratching internal parts or clogging important components. I’ve noticed that when the air filter is clogged, the engine struggles to breathe, which reduces its power and efficiency.

Also, maintaining a good air filter helps my engine run smoother and last longer. It ensures the right air-fuel mixture, which means better combustion and less fuel consumption. For me, regularly checking and cleaning or replacing the air filter has saved time and money by preventing costly repairs and keeping the engine performing at its best. In short, the air filter is a small part that makes a huge difference in the health of my Honda GX160.

My Buying Guides on Honda Gx160 Air Filter

When I set out to find the right air filter for my Honda GX160 engine, I quickly realized that not all air filters are created equal. Choosing the right one is crucial for maintaining engine performance and longevity. Here’s what I learned and what I recommend considering when buying a Honda GX160 air filter.

Why the Air Filter Matters

From my experience, the air filter is the engine’s first line of defense against dust, dirt, and debris. A clean, high-quality air filter ensures that only clean air enters the engine, which improves combustion efficiency and protects internal components from damage.

Types of Air Filters for Honda GX160

I found that there are mainly two types of air filters available 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 washable and reusable. I prefer these if I work in dusty environments because I can clean and reuse them multiple times.

Compatibility and Fit

One of the first things I checked was whether the air filter was specifically designed for the Honda GX160 model. Even small differences in size or shape can affect sealing and performance. I always look for filters labeled explicitly for GX160 or compatible Honda engines like the GX200.

Filter Material Quality

The material quality impacts filtration efficiency and durability. I tend to choose filters with multi-layer construction or high-quality foam that traps fine particles effectively while allowing good airflow.

Maintenance and Replacement

In my experience, keeping the air filter clean is just as important as choosing the right one. I clean foam filters with soap and water, then let them dry completely before reinstalling. Paper filters should be replaced as soon as they look dirty or clogged. Following the maintenance schedule in the Honda manual helps keep the engine running smoothly.

Price and Brand Considerations

I usually balance cost and quality. Genuine Honda air filters are pricier but offer peace of mind in fit and function. Aftermarket filters can be good too, but I read reviews carefully to avoid low-quality options that compromise engine health.

Final Thoughts

Buying the right Honda GX160 air filter has made a noticeable difference in how my engine performs and lasts. By focusing on compatibility, filter type, and maintenance, I keep my engine running clean and efficient. I hope this guide helps you pick the best air filter for your GX160!

Author Profile

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Jone Nelson
Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.

In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.