HONDA HS520A User Manual
INTRODUCTION
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.
We suggest you read the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY
(page 18) and EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY
(page 19) to fully understand coverage and your responsibilities of
ownership.
When your snowthrower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind
that an authorized Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in
servicing Honda snowthrowers and is supported by the parts and
service divisions of American Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated
to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and
concerns.
Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it at 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. American Honda Motor Co.,
Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change
specifications or design at any time without notice and without
incurring any obligation whatever. No part of this publication may be
reproduced without written permission.
SAFETY MESSAGES
Your safety and the safety of others are very important. We have
provided important safety messages in this manual and on the
snowthrower. This information alerts you to potential hazards that
could hurt you or others. Please read these messages carefully.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or maintaining a snowthrower. You
must use your own good judgment.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms:
• Safety Labels – on the snowthrower.
• Instructions – how to use this snowthrower correctly and safely.
• Safety Messages – preceded by a safety alert symbol and one
of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These
signal words mean:
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and
what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.
• Damage Prevention Messages – You will also see other
important messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE. This
word means:
NOTICE
© 1996–2007 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved
31V10620
00X31-V10-6200
Your snowthrower or other property can be damaged
if you don’t follow instructions.
HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don't follow
instructions.
POM53091-E
xxxx.2007.04
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
EM3
IPC
OWNER’S MANUAL
HS520A/AS
SNOWTHROWER
WARNING:
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION..............................1
SAFETY MESSAGES......................1
SNOWTHROWER SAFETY ............2
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION.............................2
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS......3
CONTROL LOCATIONS..................3
CONTROLS.....................................4
SETTING-UP YOUR NEW
SNOWTHROWER ...........................5
BEFORE OPERATION....................7
IS YOUR SNOWTHROWER
READY TO GO?...........................7
OPERATION....................................7
SNOWTHROWING
PRECAUTIONS............................7
STARTING THE ENGINE.............7
STOPPING THE ENGINE ............8
CLEARING SNOW .......................8
SERVICING YOUR
SNOWTHROWER ...........................9
MAINTENANCE SAFETY.............9
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE.......9
ENGINE MAINTENANCE...........10
AUGER.......................................11
SCRAPER BLADE......................11
REFUELING ...............................12
TRANSPORTING...........................12
IPC
STORAGE..................................... 13
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED
PROBLEMS................................... 14
TECHNICAL INFORMATION........ 15
SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS 15
CARBURETOR
MODIFICATION FOR HIGH
ALTITUDE OPERATION............ 15
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM15
AIR INDEX ................................. 16
SPECIFICATIONS ..................... 16
CONSUMER INFORMATION ....... 17
REPLACEMENT PARTS,
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT, AND
SERVICE ITEMS........................ 17
DEALER LOCATOR
INFORMATION.......................... 17
CUSTOMER SERVICE
INFORMATION.......................... 17
DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED
WARRANTY............................... 18
ACCESSORIES,
REPLACEMENT PARTS, AND
APPAREL WARRANTY............. 18
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTY............................... 19
1
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
common hazards, according to accident statistics, are discussed
below, along with the best way to protect yourself and others.
Avoid Rotating Auger
The snowthrower auger can cause serious cuts and even amputate
fingers, hands, toes, or feet. Keep away from the auger whenever the
engine is running. If you need to work around the snowthrower to
clear snow for any reason, always shut off the engine. If the snow
discharge chute becomes clogged, stop the engine and disconnect
the spark plug cap. Use a wooden stick to remove the obstruction.
Never put your hand into the snow discharge chute while the engine is
running; serious personal injury could result.
Clear Operation Area
The snowthrower can throw rocks and other objects with enough
force to cause serious injury. Before operating the snowthrower,
carefully inspect the area and remove all obvious hazards. Never use
the snowthrower to clear snow from a gravel road or driveway, as
rocks may be picked up and ejected. They may cause injury to
bystanders.
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,
bystanders, windows, and other objects with ejected snow. Stay clear
of the snow discharge chute while the engine is running.
Children and pets must be kept away from the area of operation to
avoid injury from flying debri s and contact with the snowthrower.
Refuel with Care
Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor ca n explode.
Allow the engine to cool if the snowthrower has been in operation.
Refuel only outdoors in a well-ventilated area with the engine OFF.
Never fill the fuel tank beyond the maximum fill mark. Never smoke
near gasoline, and keep other flames and sparks away. Always store
gasoline in an approved container.
Turn Engine Off When Not Operating the Snowthrower
If you need to leave the snowthrower for any reason, even just to
inspect the area ahead, always turn the engine off.
Operation on Slopes
To avoid overturning, be careful when changing the direction of the
snowthrower while operating it on a slope. Do not use the
snowthrower to remove snow from roofs. The snowthrower may
overturn on steep slopes if left unattended, causing injury to the
operator or bystanders.
Operating Conditions
Do not use the snowthrower when visibility is poor. Under conditions
of poor visibility, there is a greater risk of striking an obstacle or
causing injury. Adjust the snow discharge chute to avoid hitting
passing bystanders or vehicles. Stay clear of the snow discharge
chute while the engine is running.
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 snowthrower without proper
instruction. Do not let children operate the snowthrower. If people or
pets suddenly appear in front of the snowthrower while it is in
operation, immediately release the auger and drive clutch lever to
stop the snowthrower and avoid possible injury from the rotating
auger.
While operating the snowthrower, hold the handle firmly, and walk,
don’t run. Wear suitable winter boots that resist slipping.
Hot Exhaust
The muffler becomes very hot during operation and remains hot for a
while after stopping the engine. Be careful not to touch the muffler
while it is hot. Let the engine cool before transporting the snowthrower
or storing it indoors.
To prevent fire hazards, keep the snowthrow er at least 3 feet
(1 meter) away from building walls and other equipment during
operation. Do not place flammable objects close to the engine.
Carbon Monoxide Hazards
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a colorless and
odorless gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness and may lead to death.
Do not run the snowthrower in an area that is enclosed, or even
partially enclosed. The air you breathe could contain a dangerous
amount of exhaust gas.
Never run the engine inside a garage or confined area.
2
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS
The label shown here contains important safety information. Please
read it carefully. This label is considered a permanent part of your
snowthrower. So if the label comes off or becomes hard to read,
contact your authorized Honda snowthrower dealer for a replacement.
CONTROL LOCATIONS
CHUTE GUIDE HANDLE
AUGER CLUTCH
LEVER
DANGER
KEEP HANDS AND
FEET AWAY FROM
AUGER WHILE
ENGINE IS RUNNING.
CAUTION
HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU.
Stay away if engine has been
running.
DANGER
KEEP HANDS OUT
OF DISCHARGE
CHUTE WHILE
ENGINE IS RUNNING
HANDLEBAR
CHOKE
KNOB
STARTER GRIP
OIL FILLER CAP
ENGINE OIL DRAIN PLUG
FUEL CAP
SPARK
PLUG
COVER
FUEL VALVE
ENGINE
SWITCH
HS520AS
READ
OWNER'S
MANUAL
BEFORE
OPERATING.
WARNING
DO NOT DIRECT
DISCHARGE AT
BYSTANDERS
OR WINDOWS.
STOP ENGINE.
WAIT FOR ALL
MOVEMENT TO
STOP BEFORE
SERVICING
MACHINE.
STARTER
BUTTON
(P. 7)
3
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.
ON
OFF
Chute Guide Handle
Use this control to guide the snow discharge angle and direction.
LOW AND NEAR
HIGH
AND
FAR
Engine Switch
The engine switch
controls the ignition
system. The HS520A has
an OFF-ON-OFF switch,
while the HS520AS has a
key that controls an
OFF-ON switch.
OFF — Stops the engine.
ON — Running position, and for starting with the recoil or electric
starter (HS520AS).
OFF
ON
OFF
HS520A HS520AS
OFF
Starter Button (HS520AS)
The starter button is used to
operate the electric starter when
a household extension cord is
plugged into the starter box.
STARTER
BUTTON
STARTER
BOX
Starter Grip
Pull this grip to start the engine.
ON
LEFT
Auger Clutch Lever
When this lever is engaged,
the snowthrower auger
paddles begin to spin and the
snowthrower will move
forward.
RIGHT
ENGAGE
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.
4
CLOSED
OPEN
Do not engage the auger
clutch lever on cleared ground
or the snowthrower will move
forward suddenly.
RELEASE
SETTING-UP YOUR NEW SNOWTHROWER
TOOLS REQUIRED
12 mm wrench, 10 mm wrench, and a Phillips screwdriver
UNPACKING
1. Remove all the cardboard. Inspect the loose parts. Missing parts
can be obtained from the Honda dealer who sold you the
snowthrower.
Qty. Description Part number
4 Curved head bolt 8 x 40 mm 90109-VA4-000
4 Flange nut, 8 mm 94050-08000
4 Curved washer, 9 mm 90501-898-000
3 Phillips head shoulder screw 6 x
12 mm
3 Flange nut, 6 mm, Nylock 90303-V10-000
2 Cable tie (AS model only) 32901-VB5-A00
2 Key 35110-766-003
90112-V10-000
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 secure the electric start wire
using the two cable ties as shown. Trim the cable ties to a length of
3/8 inch (10 mm).
HS520A
CURVED
HEAD BOLT
FLANGE NUT
STARTER BRACKET
2. Loosen and remove the curved-head bolt, flange nut, and starter
bracket from the lower handlebar. Do not discard the hardware.
ASSEMBLY
1. Install the handlebar
with the hardware
shown. Tighten the
flange nuts securely.
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
free play as shown on
page 11.
8 mm FLANGE
NUT (4)
AUGER
CLUTCH
LEVER
“Z” FITTING
9 mm CURVED
WASHER (4)
8 x 40 mm
CURVED HEAD
BOLT (4)
HS520AS
9 mm
CURVED
WASHER
FLANGE
NUT
ELECTRIC
STARTER BRACKET
CABLE TIE (2)
CURVED
HEAD BOLT
ROPE GUIDE
5
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)
6 mm NUT (3)
PHILLIPS-HEAD
SCREW (3)
CHUTE BASE
CHUTE
CORRECTLY
ASSEMBLED
ADD OIL & FUEL
1. The snowthrower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL in the engine.
2. Add enough of the recommended
oil (page 10) to bring the oil level
to the top of the filler hole. A bottle
of oil is included in the box with
your snowthrower.
All Honda engines are run at the
factory prior to packaging. Most of
UPPER LIMIT
the oil is removed prior to shipment; however, some oil remains
in the engine. The amount of oil left in the engine varies.
3. Add regular unleaded fuel to the fuel tank. The fuel capacity is
1.37 US quarts (1.3 liters). See page 12.
BEFORE USE
All operators of the snowthrower must read the following chapters
before using the snowthrower:
SNOWTHROWER SAFETY (page 2)
CONTROLS (page 4)
BEFORE OPERATION (page 7)
PHILLIPS-HEAD
SCREW (3)
5. Lift the spark plug door and
attach the spark plug wire
to the spark plug.
6 mm NUT (3)
6. Remove any packing material from the side of the snowthrower.
6
BEFORE OPERATION
Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will
significantly reduce your risk of injury.
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. Know how to quickly shut off the engine in case of an
emergency.
IS YOUR SNOWTHROWER READY TO GO?
For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your equipment, it
is very important to take a few moments before you operate the
snowthrower to check its condition. Be sure to take care of any
problem you find, or have your servicing dealer correct it, before you
operate the snowthrower.
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this snowthrower, or failing to correct
a problem before operation, could cause a malfunction in
which you could be seriously injured.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before each
operation, and correct any problem.
Do not operate on slopes greater than 20°.
For your safety, do not operate the engine in an enclosed area such
as a garage. Your snowthrower’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon
monoxide gas which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and
cause illness or death.
WARNING
Engine exhaust contains poisonous carbon
monoxide gas that can build up to dangerous
levels in closed areas. Breathing carbon
monoxide can cause unconsciousness and
death.
Never run the snowblower in a closed or even
partly closed area.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the fuel valve to the
ON position.
ON
Before beginning your pre-operation checks, be sure the snowthrower
is on a level surface and the ignition switch is in the OFF position.
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.
• Check each control for proper operation.
• Check auger paddles for wear. Replace if necessary.
• Check the scraper blade for wear. Replace if necessary (page 12).
• Look for signs of damage.
• Check that all nuts, bolts, screws, hose connectors, and clamps are
tightened.
• Keep all shields and covers in place while operating the
snowthrower.
Check the Engine
• Check the oil level (page 10).
• Check the fuel level (page 12). Starting with a full tank will help to
eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.
OPERATION
2. If the engine is cold, pull
the choke knob out to the
CLOSED position.
3. Start the engine.
CLOSED
Electric Start (AS model only):
a. Connect an extension cord (commercially available) to the
starter box first, then to a 120 volt ac outlet.
120 VAC OUTLET
SNOWTHROWING PRECAUTIONS
Before operating the snowthrower for the first time, please review
both the SNOWTHROWER SAFETY chapter (page 2) and the
BEFORE OPERAT ION chapter above.
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 your skills.
Never tamper with or alter any of the controls or safety devices on the
snowthrower.
EXTENSION CORD
(COMMERCIALLY
AVAILABLE)
Use an outdoor power cord with a power rating of no less
than 15 amps. Do not connect and disconnect the power cord
with wet hands. Do not use in the rain.
STARTER
BOX PLUG
7
Be sure to hold the plug when
disconnecting the power cord from
the electrical outlet or starter box.
Do not disconnect by pulling on
the power cord.
b. Turn the engine switch to the ON
position.
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 starter box.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the starter, 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 10 minutes before
operating it again.
Manual (Pull) Star ting
a. Turn the engine switch to the ON position.
ON
ON
STOPPING THE ENGINE
T o stop the engine in an emergency , turn the engine switch to the OFF
position. Under normal conditions, use the following procedure.
1. Release the auger clutch
lever. The auger will stop
operation.
RELEASE
2. Turn the engine switch to
the OFF position.
OFF
OFF
OFF
ON
HS520A
HS520AS
b. Pull the starter grip slowly
until you feel resistance,
then pull briskly.
c. Return the starter grip
gently.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the
recoil starter, do not allow the
starter grip to snap back
against the starter bracket.
Return it gently to prevent
damage. Do not pull the starter
grip while the engine is running. The starter could be damaged.
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.
HS520A
3. Turn the fuel valve to the
OFF position.
HS520AS
OFF
CLEARING SNOW
1. Press down on the handlebar to raise the front of the snowthrower
slightly. Roll the snowthrower over to the area to be cleared.
2. Use the chute guide handle
(page 4) to adjust the direction
for the discharged snow to travel.
3. Engage the auger clutch lever.
The auger will begin to spin.
ENGAGE
AUGER
4. Tilt the snowthrower
forward slightly with the
TILT FORWARD SLIGHTLY
handlebar to engage
the auger into the snow.
The auger will then pull
the snowthrower
forward and discharge
the snow.
5. To stop, lower the
handlebar slightly, then
release the auger clutch
lever.
8
Loading...