The engines are nearly 100% the same. Differences are usually cosmetic or a feature. The OEM might want a black fan and recoil starter, but the factory parts is red. Black parts might have a slightly higher cost., but can be offset if customer agrees to buy xxxxxx engines over a yyyy timefame.
Feature-wise, many Honda engines sold to other mowers companies use an auto-choke design, but a lot of Honda engines used on Honda mowers have a manual choke cable. The OEM likes the simple design of auto-chock, and it's cheaper to make than a manual choke wiht a cable, spigs, rids, lever, etc.
-Robert@Honda
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.
Feature-wise, many Honda engines sold to other mowers companies use an auto-choke design, but a lot of Honda engines used on Honda mowers have a manual choke cable. The OEM likes the simple design of auto-chock, and it's cheaper to make than a manual choke wiht a cable, spigs, rids, lever, etc.
-Robert@Honda
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.