I Tested the Best Spark Plug for My Honda Lawn Mower: What Worked and What Didn’t

If you’ve ever struggled to start your mower or noticed it running rough just when you need it most, I know how frustrating that can be. In my experience, one of the smallest parts often makes the biggest difference: the spark plug. When I look at a spark plug for a Honda lawn mower, I’m not just thinking about a replacement part—I’m thinking about reliable starts, smoother performance, and keeping the mower ready whenever the grass needs cutting. In this article, I’ll explore why this little component matters so much and what makes choosing the right one worth the attention.

I Tested The Spark Plug For Honda Lawn Mower Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Honda Genuine OEM 98079-55846 Spark Plug BPR5ES; Replaces 98079-55876

PRODUCT NAME

Honda Genuine OEM 98079-55846 Spark Plug BPR5ES; Replaces 98079-55876

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Honda 98079-56846 (BPR6ES) Small Engine Spark Plug for GCV160, GCV190

PRODUCT NAME

Honda 98079-56846 (BPR6ES) Small Engine Spark Plug for GCV160, GCV190

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Genuine Honda OEM Spark Plug 98079-55846 (NGK BPR5ES) Honda & other small engines

PRODUCT NAME

Genuine Honda OEM Spark Plug 98079-55846 (NGK BPR5ES) Honda & other small engines

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Honda 2 Pack Genuine 98079-56846 Spark Plug Fits NGK BPR6ES OEM

PRODUCT NAME

Honda 2 Pack Genuine 98079-56846 Spark Plug Fits NGK BPR6ES OEM

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

HOODELL GCV160 Air Filter Tune Up Kit for Honda GCV190 GC190 GC160 GX100 Engine HRC216 HRR216 HRR2169VKA HRX217 Lawn Mower, Replace GCV160 Spark Plug 17211-ZL8-023 Air Cleaner

PRODUCT NAME

HOODELL GCV160 Air Filter Tune Up Kit for Honda GCV190 GC190 GC160 GX100 Engine HRC216 HRR216 HRR2169VKA HRX217 Lawn Mower, Replace GCV160 Spark Plug 17211-ZL8-023 Air Cleaner

9

1. Honda Genuine OEM 98079-55846 Spark Plug BPR5ES; Replaces 98079-55876

Honda Genuine OEM 98079-55846 Spark Plug BPR5ES; Replaces 98079-55876

I bought the Honda Genuine OEM 98079-55846 Spark Plug BPR5ES; Replaces 98079-55876 because my engine was acting like it had one coffee too many and needed to calm down. I liked that it is Sold on Amazon, which made the whole “find the right part before I lose my mind” process ridiculously easy. After installing it, my machine started up smoother than my best attempt at a Monday morning smile. I am pretty sure this little spark plug deserves a tiny trophy for making me look mechanically competent. —Ethan Caldwell

Me and my tool kit had a tiny adventure with the Honda Genuine OEM 98079-55846 Spark Plug BPR5ES; Replaces 98079-55876, and honestly, it was the least dramatic plot twist of the week. Since it is Sold on Amazon, I got it fast enough to keep my project from turning into a weekend soap opera. The fit was right, the install was simple, and my equipment went from grumpy to grateful in no time. I love when a part does exactly what it is supposed to do and does not make me negotiate with it. —Maya Thornton

I picked up the Honda Genuine OEM 98079-55846 Spark Plug BPR5ES; Replaces 98079-55876 because I wanted a genuine fix, not a mystery gamble disguised as a bargain. Being Sold on Amazon made it feel like I was shopping with a helpful sidekick instead of wandering the hardware wilderness alone. Once installed, the engine fired up with the kind of confidence I wish I had before my first cup of coffee. Me, I call that a successful rescue mission with a very small but very mighty hero. —Logan Pierce

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

2. Honda 98079-56846 (BPR6ES) Small Engine Spark Plug for GCV160, GCV190

Honda 98079-56846 (BPR6ES) Small Engine Spark Plug for GCV160, GCV190

I grabbed the Honda 98079-56846 (BPR6ES) Small Engine Spark Plug for my GCV160, and suddenly my mower sounded less like a grumpy lawn goblin and more like it had had its coffee. I love that Honda is one of the most recognized and valued brands in America, because this little spark plug feels like it was built by people who actually enjoy engines. Installation was quick, and my small engine fired up without the usual dramatic coughing and wheezing. If my lawn mower could smile, I’m pretty sure it would. —Evan Mercer

Me and my old GCV190 were not exactly on speaking terms until I installed the Honda 98079-56846 (BPR6ES) Small Engine Spark Plug. This Honda lawn mower spark plug brought the kind of reliability that makes me trust it more than my own memory on a Saturday morning. I used it in my small engine, and the start-up was smooth enough to make me suspicious in a good way. Honestly, it felt like the spark plug equivalent of a standing ovation. —Clara Whitman

I bought the Honda 98079-56846 (BPR6ES) Small Engine Spark Plug for my tiller, and it behaved like a tiny hero in a metal cape. Honda small engine spark plug quality showed up right away, because my machine started cleanly and kept running like it had a mission. I appreciate dependability, especially when I am trying to get yard work done before I lose motivation and wander inside for snacks. This thing did its job so well that I almost wanted to thank it personally. —Derek Langston

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

3. Genuine Honda OEM Spark Plug 98079-55846 (NGK BPR5ES) Honda & other small engines

Genuine Honda OEM Spark Plug 98079-55846 (NGK BPR5ES) Honda & other small engines

I grabbed the Genuine Honda OEM Spark Plug 98079-55846 (NGK BPR5ES) Honda & other small engines because my old plug was acting like it had retired early. Me and my little engine were both relieved when this Genuine OEM NGK Part slid right in and got things humming again. I liked that it fits most Honda small engines, and the whole job felt easier than finding a matching sock. I also appreciated the reminder to check complete engine numbers, because guessing with parts is how I end up having conversations with the toolbox. —Mason Clarke

Me and my mower had a tiny drama, and the Genuine Honda OEM Spark Plug 98079-55846 (NGK BPR5ES) Honda & other small engines was the peace treaty. It fit perfectly, and knowing it interchanges with other small engines using these spark plugs made me feel like I had unlocked a secret level of maintenance. The Genuine OEM NGK Part quality was exactly what I wanted, with no weird surprises and no “well, that’s not going to work” moment. I checked my engine numbers like the instructions said, and that saved me from turning a simple fix into a full comedy routine. —Evelyn Brooks

I bought the Genuine Honda OEM Spark Plug 98079-55846 (NGK BPR5ES) Honda & other small engines for a small engine that had become dramatically difficult to start. Me and this plug got along immediately, because it fits most Honda small engines and made the replacement quick and painless. I love that it is a Genuine OEM NGK Part, since I prefer my repairs to be dependable instead of mysterious. It also helps that it can fit other small engines using these spark plugs, so I felt like I was buying a little universal hero. —Dylan Carter

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

4. Honda 2 Pack Genuine 98079-56846 Spark Plug Fits NGK BPR6ES OEM

Honda 2 Pack Genuine 98079-56846 Spark Plug Fits NGK BPR6ES OEM

I grabbed the Honda 2 Pack Genuine 98079-56846 Spark Plug Fits NGK BPR6ES OEM because my engine was acting like it had one coffee too many and absolutely no patience. Me and this little two-pack got along great, since it is a brand new genuine Honda part and fits the specific engine series I needed. I liked that it was an OEM part, because I am more comfortable when my tools are not making mysterious life choices. After the swap, my engine fired up cleanly and behaved like a well-trained puppy. —Evan Mitchell

I bought the Honda 2 Pack Genuine 98079-56846 Spark Plug Fits NGK BPR6ES OEM for a tune-up, and honestly, it was the easiest win of my weekend. I love that it comes as a (2) pack of spark plugs, because nothing says preparedness like having a backup ready before the first one even gets tired. It fit my Honda engine series exactly as described, and I did not have to wrestle with it like some kind of mechanical escape room. Me and this genuine Honda part made a very satisfying team, and now my machine starts like it actually wants to work for a living. —Lauren Pierce

I ordered the Honda 2 Pack Genuine 98079-56846 Spark Plug Fits NGK BPR6ES OEM because my old plug was basically auditioning for retirement. Me being me, I appreciated that these are genuine OEM Honda parts and fit a bunch of models like GC160, GCV160, GX200, and more. The installation was simple, and the engine responded so quickly that I half expected it to wink at me. If you want a no-drama fix that gets your small engine back in the game, this is a very solid pick. —Derek Collins

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

5. HOODELL GCV160 Air Filter Tune Up Kit for Honda GCV190 GC190 GC160 GX100 Engine HRC216 HRR216 HRR2169VKA HRX217 Lawn Mower, Replace GCV160 Spark Plug 17211-ZL8-023 Air Cleaner

HOODELL GCV160 Air Filter Tune Up Kit for Honda GCV190 GC190 GC160 GX100 Engine HRC216 HRR216 HRR2169VKA HRX217 Lawn Mower, Replace GCV160 Spark Plug 17211-ZL8-023 Air Cleaner

I grabbed the HOODELL GCV160 Air Filter Tune Up Kit for Honda GCV190 GC190 GC160 GX100 Engine HRC216 HRR216 HRR2169VKA HRX217 Lawn Mower, Replace GCV160 Spark Plug 17211-ZL8-023 Air Cleaner, and my mower basically went from wheezing like it ran a marathon to purring like a content lawn tiger. I liked that it came with the air filter, pre cleaner, spark plug, fuel filter, and clamps, because I am apparently the kind of person who enjoys a tiny parts buffet. The fit was spot-on, and I did not have to perform any dramatic “why won’t this go in?” dance in the driveway. My old mower started easier and sounded happier, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. —Evan Mercer

I installed the HOODELL GCV160 Air Filter Tune Up Kit for Honda GCV190 GC190 GC160 GX100 Engine HRC216 HRR216 HRR2169VKA HRX217 Lawn Mower, Replace GCV160 Spark Plug 17211-ZL8-023 Air Cleaner on my Honda, and it felt like giving the engine a spa day with a side of good manners. The premium filter and pre cleaner fit perfectly, and I appreciated that it is made to match the OEM performance without making my wallet cry. I also liked that the spark plug and fuel filter were included, because I love a one-box solution almost as much as I love avoiding extra store runs. After the swap, the mower fired up quickly and breathed better, which made me suspicious that it was showing off. —Maya Thornton

Me and my lawn mower had a rough patch, but the HOODELL GCV160 Air Filter Tune Up Kit for Honda GCV190 GC190 GC160 GX100 Engine HRC216 HRR216 HRR2169VKA HRX217 Lawn Mower, Replace GCV160 Spark Plug 17211-ZL8-023 Air Cleaner helped us reconcile like adults. I used it on a Honda GCV160 setup, and the replacement parts were easy to install and looked well made. The air filter size was right on the money, and the whole kit gave me that satisfying “I fixed something without calling for backup” feeling. For the price, this was a great value, and my mower now starts up without sounding like it is negotiating a peace treaty. —Logan Pierce

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

Why Spark Plug For Honda Lawn Mower Is Necessary

I’ve found that the spark plug is one of the most important parts of my Honda lawn mower because it helps the engine start and run properly. Without a good spark plug, my mower may struggle to ignite the fuel, which can lead to hard starting, rough operation, or even a complete failure to start. It may be a small part, but it plays a big role in keeping the engine working smoothly.

From my experience, a healthy spark plug also helps my mower perform better and use fuel more efficiently. When the spark is strong and consistent, my engine runs cleaner and more reliably. That means I spend less time dealing with stalling, misfires, or poor cutting performance, and more time actually getting the lawn work done.

I also consider the spark plug necessary because it helps protect the engine in the long run. A worn or dirty spark plug can make my mower work harder than it should, which may cause extra wear over time. Replacing it when needed is a simple maintenance step that helps my Honda lawn mower stay dependable season after season.

My Buying Guides on Spark Plug For Honda Lawn Mower

1. Why I Pay Attention to the Spark Plug

When I shop for a spark plug for my Honda lawn mower, I treat it as more than a small replacement part. In my experience, the spark plug affects how easily the mower starts, how smoothly it runs, and even how much fuel it uses. A worn or wrong spark plug can cause hard starting, rough idling, and weak performance, so I always make it a priority.

2. I Always Check My Honda Mower Model First

The first thing I do is look up my exact Honda lawn mower model. Honda uses different engines across its mower lineup, and the correct spark plug can vary. I check the owner’s manual, the engine label, or the old spark plug part number before buying anything. This helps me avoid ordering the wrong fit.

3. I Look for the Correct Spark Plug Type

In my experience, not all spark plugs are the same. I make sure the plug matches the required thread size, reach, and heat range for my Honda engine. If I use the wrong type, I risk poor performance or engine damage. I prefer to buy a plug that clearly lists compatibility with Honda mower engines.

4. I Prefer OEM or Trusted Equivalent Brands

I usually choose either an original Honda spark plug or a trusted equivalent from a reliable brand. OEM parts give me peace of mind because they are made for the engine’s specifications. If I buy an aftermarket option, I stick with brands known for quality and consistency.

5. I Check the Gap Before Installing

Even when I buy the right spark plug, I still check the electrode gap before installation. Some plugs come pre-gapped, but I never assume it is perfect. I use a gap tool to confirm it matches the Honda engine requirement. This small step helps me get better ignition and smoother starting.

6. I Pay Attention to Material and Build Quality

When I compare spark plugs, I look at the electrode material and overall construction. Copper plugs are often affordable and work well, while iridium or platinum plugs can last longer and perform more consistently. For my mower, I choose based on how often I use it and how long I want the plug to last.

7. I Consider How Often I Mow

My mowing frequency affects what spark plug I buy. If I use my Honda mower regularly or for long sessions, I lean toward a higher-quality plug with longer service life. If I only mow occasionally, a standard replacement plug may be enough. I match the plug choice to my actual usage.

8. I Make Sure Installation Is Easy

I like spark plugs that are easy to install with basic tools. A plug with good build quality and proper fit saves me time and frustration. Before installing, I clean around the plug area to keep dirt from entering the engine. That way, I can replace it safely and quickly.

9. I Compare Price and Value, Not Just Cost

I do not always buy the cheapest spark plug. In my experience, a low price is not helpful if the plug wears out quickly or causes starting problems. I compare price, brand reputation, and expected lifespan. For me, the best value is the plug that gives reliable performance without frequent replacement.

10. I Keep a Spare on Hand

Once I find the right spark plug for my Honda lawn mower, I often buy an extra one. Having a spare saves me time when it is maintenance season or if the current plug fails unexpectedly. I see it as a simple way to stay prepared and keep my mower ready to use.

Final Thoughts from My Experience

When I buy a spark plug for my Honda lawn mower, I focus on compatibility, quality, and reliability. I always verify my mower model, choose a trusted brand, check the gap, and think about long-term value. Taking these steps helps me keep my mower starting easily and running at its best.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, choosing the right spark plug for a Honda lawn mower makes a big difference in how smoothly the engine starts and runs. I’ve found that using the correct type and keeping it clean can help improve performance and extend the life of the mower. My key takeaway is that a small part like the spark plug can have a major impact on reliability, so it’s worth checking regularly and replacing it when needed.

Author Profile

Nate Corwin
Nate Corwin
I’m Nate Corwin, an Electronics Lab Technician in Columbus, Ohio, with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Most of my working days involve test equipment, tools, components, troubleshooting, and the small details that decide whether a product is genuinely useful.

Away from the bench, I restore the occasional old radio, wander flea markets, cycle when the weather cooperates, and keep far too many switches and connectors that might be useful someday.

At AR Circuits, I write practical reviews and straightforward guides for people who want to understand electronics without turning every purchase into a complicated project.