Honda Automobiles HS520A manual

31V10600 00X31-V10-6000 IPC 125000007 PRINTE D I N U.S.A. ©199 9 America n Hond a Moto r Co. , Inc .– Al l Right s Reserved Owner' s Manual Snowthrower HS520 A HS520AS • EM ® ® ®[...]

Keep this owner's manual handy, so you can refer to it any time. This owner's manual is considered a permanent part of the snowthrower and should remain with the snowthrower if resold. The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Power Equipment Mfg, Inc. reserv[...]

INTRODUCTION 1 Congratulations on your selection of a Honda snowthrower. We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest snowthrowers on the market. We want to help you get the best results from your new snowthrower and to operate it safely. This manual contains the information on how to do that; please read it carefully.[...]

INTRODUCTION 2 A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY Your safety and the safety of others is very important, and using this snowthrower safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards[...]

CONTENTS 3 SNOWTHROWER SAFETY ...................................................................................... 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION .............................................................. 4 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS ............................................................................ 7 CONTROLS & FEATURES ...........[...]

4 SNOWTHROWER SAFETY IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Honda snowthrowers are designed to clear snow from driveways and walkways. Other uses can result in injury to the operator or damage to the snowthrower and other property. Most accidents with snowthrowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the snowthrower. The most[...]

SNOWTHROWER SAFETY 5 Keep Shields in Place Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being hit by thrown objects and to keep you from touching hot engine parts and moving components. For your safety and the safety of others, keep all shields in place when the engine is running. Adjust the snow discharge chute to avoid hitting the operator[...]

SNOWTHROWER SAFETY 6 Operating Near Roads Always watch for vehicle traffic when operating the snowthrower near roads and driveways. Never operate the snowthrower on public roads. Operator Responsibility Know how to stop the snowthrower quickly in case of emergency. Understand the use of all snowthrower controls. Never permit anyone to operate the s[...]

SNOWTHROWER SAFETY 7 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read them carefully. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda snowthrower dealer for a replacement. KEEP HANDS OUT OF DISCHARGE CHUTE WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING B DANGER HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU. Stay away if en[...]

8 CONTROLS & FEATURES COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS Use the two illustrations on this page to locate and identify the most frequently used controls. CHUTE GUIDE HANDLE FUEL CAP AUGER CLUTCH LEVER HANDLEBAR SPARK PLUG COVER FUEL VALVE OIL FILLER CAP STARTER GRIP ENGINE OIL DRAIN PLUG HS520AS STARTER BUTTON CHOKE KNOB ENGINE SWITCH HS520.book[...]

CONTROLS & FEATURES 9 CONTROLS Fuel Valve The fuel valve opens and closes the fuel line leading from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Make sure that the fuel valve is positioned exactly at either the ON or OFF position. When the snowthrower is not in use, always leave the fuel valve in the OFF position to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage.[...]

CONTROLS & FEATURES 10 Choke Knob The choke knob is used to open or close the choke. CLOSED is used when the engine is cold. The OPEN position provides the correct fuel mixture for operation after the engine has warmed up, and for starting a warm engine. Chute Guide Handle Use this control to guide the snow discharge angle and direction. Auger [...]

11 BEFORE OPERATION ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury. Knowledge Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and how to operate them. Familiarize yourself with the snowthrower and its operation before you begin using it. K[...]

BEFORE OPERATION 12 Check the General Condition of the Snowthrower: • Look around and underneath the snowthrower for signs of oil or gasoline leaks. • Check the auger housing and the discharge chute for accumulation of packed snow or ice. Clean the auger housing and discharge chute before starting the snowthrower. • Look for signs of damage. [...]

13 OPERATION SNOWTHROWING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the snowthrower for the first time, please review both the SNOWTHROWER SAFETY chapter (pag e 4) and the BEFORE OPERATION chapter (page11). Even if you have operated other snowthrowers, take time to become familiar with how this snowthrower works, and practice in a safe area until you build up y[...]

OPERATION 14 2. If the engine is cold, pull the choke knob out to the CLOSED position. 3. Start the engine. Electric Start (AS model only): a. Connect an extension cord to the starter box first, then to a 120 volt ac outlet. To minimize the possibility of potentially dangerous electrical shock, always use a 3-conductor power cord with a power ratin[...]

OPERATION 15 c. Push the starter button until the engine starts. After the engine starts, disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet, and then from the switch box. NOTICE Do not operate the starter for more than 15 seconds. If the engine fails to start, release the button and allow the starter to cool for 5 minutes before operating it aga[...]

OPERATION 16 4. Let the engine warm up for several minutes. If the choke knob has been pulled to the CLOSED position to start the engine, gradually push it to the OPEN position as the engine warms up. STOPPING THE ENGINE To stop the engine in an emergency, turn the engine switch to the OFF position. Under normal conditions, use the following proced[...]

OPERATION 17 CLEARING SNOW 1. Press down on the handlebar to raise the front of the snowthrower slightly. Roll the snowthrower over to the snow area. 2. Use the chute guide handle (page10) to adjust the direction for the discharged snow to travel. 3. Engage the auger clutch lever. The auger will begin to spin. 4. Tilt the snowthrower forward slight[...]

OPERATION 18 • If the snow is deeper than the height of the auger, remove it in several layers, as shown here. REMOVING OBSTRUCTIONS If the discharge chute or snow blowing mechanism becomes restricted, review clearing snow information (page12) to reduce the possibility of reoccurring obstructions. 1. Before removing the obstruction, be sure to st[...]

19 SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER MAINTENANCE Proper maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free operation. It will also help reduce air pollution. To help you properly care for your snowthrower, the following pages include a maintenance schedule, routine inspection procedures, and simple maintenance p[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 20 MAINTENANCE SAFETY Some of the most important safety precautions follow. However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task. Safety Precautions • Make sure the engine is off before you begin any mai[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 21 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE • Emission related items (1) Service every 10 hours or daily when used under extremely harsh conditions, or if used commercially. (2) These items should only be serviced by an authorized Honda servicing snowthrower dealer unless you are mechanically proficient and have the proper tools. Ite[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 22 REFUELING FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 0.3 US gallon (1.3 liters) Stop the engine, remove the cap and check the fuel level. Refill the tank if the fuel level is low. Do not fill above the base of the filler neck. Refuel in a well-ventilated area before starting the engine. If the engine has been running, allow it to cool.[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 23 FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS Use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. These engines are certified to operate on unleaded gasoline. Unleaded gasoline produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends exhaust system life. Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. A[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 24 Engine Oil Change Drain the oil while the engine is still warm to assure rapid and complete draining. 1. Place the snowthrower on a level surface. 2. Place a suitable container below the drain bolt to catch the used oil, then remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and the drain plug. 3. Allow the used oil to drain co[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 25 Engine Oil Recommendations Oil is a major factor affecting performance and service life. Use a high quality 4-stroke automotive detergent oil. SAE 5W-30 is recommended for general use. Other viscosities shown in the chart may be used when the average temperature in your area is within the indicated range. The SAE[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 26 A replacement spark plug may be purchased from a servicing Honda snowthrower dealer. See pag e 49 for a part number list. SPARK PLUG: BPR5ES (NGK) or W16EPR-U (DENSO) 3. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. Correct as necessary by bending the side electrode. PLUG GAP: 0.028 - 0.031 inch (0.70 - 0.80 mm) 4. M[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 27 AUGER Clutch Lever Inspection 1. Move the clutch lever until you feel resistance from the cable. Measure the distance as shown. CLUTCH LEVER DISTANCE: 7-1/2 ~ 8 inches (190 ~ 205 mm) Adjustment 1. Pull the spring cover up to expose the tension spring. Change the position of either the cable or spring on the metal[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 28 Belt Tension Inspection & Adjustement 1. Pull the spring cover up to expose the belt tension spring. Have a helper engage the auger clutch lever. Measure the length of the exposed coils as shown. 2. Remove the z-bend fitting from the upper hole on the auger clutch lever, and install it into the lower hole. Re[...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 29 Scraper Bar The scraper bar wears with normal use and must be replaced when it reaches its service limit. The scraper bar thickness and adjustment determine the clearance between the rubber paddles and the ground. Inspection 1. Turn the engine switch to the OFF position, and disconnect the spark plug cap, so the [...]

SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 30 A replacement scraper bar may be purchased from a servicing Honda snowthrower dealer. See page49 for a part number list. 4. Measure the distance between the ground and lowest point on the rubber paddle on the auger. PADDLE GROUND CLEARANCE: 1/16 ~ 1/8 inch (1 ~ 3 mm) Adjustment/Replacement 1. Loosen (don’t remo[...]

31 STORAGE STORAGE PREPARATION Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your snowthrower troublefree and looking good. The following steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your snowthrower’s function and appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use the snowthrower again. Cleaning 1. Rinse the aug[...]

STORAGE 32 Adding a Fuel Stabilizer to Extend Fuel Storage Life When adding a fuel stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. If only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration during storage. If you keep a container of gasoline for refueling, be sure that it contains only fresh gasoline. Add fuel stabilizer followin[...]

STORAGE 33 Engine Oil 1. Change the engine oil ( page24). 2. Remove the spark plug (page25). 3. Pour a tablespoon (5 ~ 10 cc) of clean engine oil into the cylinder. 4. Pull the starter rope slowly several times to distribute the oil. 5. Reinstall the spark plug. 6. Pull the starter grip until resistance is felt. This will close the valves and prote[...]

STORAGE 34 STORAGE PRECAUTIONS If your snowthrower will be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank and carburetor, it is important to reduce the hazard of gasoline vapor ignition. Select a well-ventilated storage area away from any appliance that operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer. Also avoid any area with a spar[...]

35 TRANSPORTING BEFORE LOADING If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before loading the snowthrower on the transport vehicle. A hot engine and exhaust system can burn you and can ignite some materials. Turn the fuel valve to OFF. This will prevent carburetor flooding and reduce the possibility of fuel leakage. Avo[...]

36 TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ENGINE PROBLEMS Electric starter does not operate Possible cause Correction Check electrical outlet. No electric current from outlet. Try known good electrical outlet. Start engine by using the recoil starter. Check power cord. Defective power cord. Try another power cord. Start engine with the recoil starter. [...]

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS 37 DRIVE PROBLEMS Engine has low power Possible cause Correction Check ground speed. Fast ground speed when blowing wet, deep snow puts excessive load on engine. Operate at slower ground speed. Snowthrowing swath too wide for snow conditions. Wet, deep snow can put an excessive load on engine. Reduce snowthrowing [...]

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS 38 SNOWTHROWER PROBLEMS Won't blow snow Possible cause Correction Check auger housing. Discharge chute restricted. Foreign object stopping auger from rotating. Clear discharge chute of obstructions (page18). Remove foreign object. Auger not engaging. Belt worn, not on pulleys or not properly installed. See se[...]

39 SET-UP Tools Required • 12 mm wrench, 10 mm wrench, and a Phillips-head screwdriver Unpacking 1. Remove all the cardboard. Inspect the loose parts. Missing parts may be obtained from a servicing Honda snowthrower dealer. 2. Loosen and remove the curved-head bolt, flange nut and starter bracket from the lower handlebar. Do not discard the hardw[...]

SET-UP 40 2. Pull the clutch cable enough to insert the “Z” fitting on the cable through the auger clutch lever as shown here. Check the lever as shown on page . 3. Install the starter bracket using the hardware removed from step 2 on the previous page. For the HS520AS, snap the starter rope into the rope guide on the handlebar and install the [...]

SET-UP 41 4. Install the discharge chute using the three 6 mm Phillips head screws and 6 mm self-locking nuts. Make sure the screws go on the inside and the nuts on the outside. Tighten the nuts securely : HEX NUT TORQUE: 7 ft-lbs (10 N•m) Add Oil & Fuel 1. The snowthrower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine. 2. Add enough of the recommended[...]

42 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION TECHNICAL INFORMATION Serial Number Locations Record the engine and frame serial numbers in the spaces below. You may need these serial numbers when ordering parts, and when making technical or warranty inquiries (page54). Engine serial number:______________________________________ Frame serial number: ______[...]

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 43 Carburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be too rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. A very rich mixture will also foul the spark plug and cause hard starting. High altitude performance can be improved b[...]

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 44 Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions. If you use an oxygenated fu[...]

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 45 EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM Source of Emissions The combustion process produces carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrocarbons. Control of hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen is very important because, under certain conditions, they react to form photochemical smog when subjected to sunlight. Carbon monoxi[...]

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 46 Air Index An Air Index Information hang tag/label is applied to engines certified to an emission durability time period in accordance with the requirements of the California Air Resources Board. The bar graph is intended to provide you, our customer, the ability to compare the emissions performance of availab[...]

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 47 Replacement Parts The emission control systems on your new Honda engine were designed, built, and certified to conform with EPA and California emission regulations. We recommend the use of genuine Honda parts whenever you have maintenance done. These original-design replacement parts are manufactured to the s[...]

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 48 SPECIFICATIONS Specifications are subject to change without notice. FRAME Description code SZBG Length 49.5 inches (1258 mm) Width 20.7 inches (527 mm) Height 40.4 (1026 mm) Dry weight HS520A: 76 lbs (34.5 kg) HS520AS:86 lbs (39.0 kg) Snow clearance (h x w) 12 x 20 inches (306 x 500 mm) Max. snowthrowing dist[...]

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 49 CONSUMER INFORMATION Honda Publications These publications will give you additional information for maintaining and repairing your snowthrower. You may order them from your servicing Honda snowthrower dealer. Shop Manual This manual covers complete maintenance and overhaul procedures. It is intended to be use[...]

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 50 Distributor's Limited Warranty To Qualify for this Warranty: The product must be purchased in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands from American Honda or a dealer authorized by American Honda to sell those products. This warranty applies to the first retail purchaser and each subseq[...]

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 51 Accessories, Replacement Parts, and Apparel Warranty To Qualify for this Warranty: 1. The accessories, replacement parts, or apparel must be purchased in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands from American Honda or a dealer authorized by American Honda to sell those products. 2. You must [...]

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 52 Emission Control System Warranty Your new Honda Power Equipment engine complies with both the U.S. EPA and State of California emission regulations. American Honda provides the same emission warranty coverage for engines sold in all 50 states. Your Warranty Rights And Obligations: California The California Ai[...]

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 53 Only Honda approved replacement parts may be used in the performance of any warranty repairs and must be provided without charge to the owner. The use of replacement parts not equivalent to the original parts may impair the effectiveness of your engine emission control system. If such a replacement part is us[...]

TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 54 Warranty Service Information Honda Power Equipment dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should be able to answer any question you may have. If you encounter a problem that your dealer does not solve to your satisfaction, please discuss it with the dealership's management. The Service Mana[...]

55 INDEX A air index .................... page46 altitude, modifications for .. 43 assembly see set-up auger paddle clearance ............ 30 paddle service limit ......... 28 auger clutch lever adjustment ...................... 27 inspection ....................... 27 B belt tension adjustment ...................... 28 inspection .................[...]

INDEX 56 serial number locations .... 42 set-up ............................... 39 shop manual ..................... 48 spark knock ...................... 23 spark plug gap ................................. 26 recommended type ........ 26 service ............................ 25 specifications .................... 47 storage ........................[...]

QUICK REFERENCE INFORMA TION type Unleade d gasol ine with a pum p octane of 86 or h igher (pa ge 22). Fuel capacit y 0.3 U.S. gallo n (1.3 l iter) ty pe Above 15° F (-9° C): SAE 5W -30 Below 15° F (-9° C): SAE 0W-30 (page 25) En gine Oil capacit y 0.63 U.S. qua rt (20. 3 fl oz, 0. 6 lit er) ty pe R egul ar: N GK- BP6E S, Denso – W 16EP-U Res[...]

31V10601 00X31- V10-6010 IPC 13500.2001.05 PRINTED IN U .S.A. Printed on Recycled Paper EM3 ®[...]