Honda Automobiles HS521 User Manual

Thank you for purchasing a Honda snowthrower.
This manual covers the operation and maintenance of the HS521 snow­thrower.
All information in this publication is based on the latest product informa­tion available at the time of approval for printing.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any time
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the snowthrower
and should remain with the snowthrower if it is resold. Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following words:
m
tions are not followed.
m Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury or death
if instructions are not followed.
m
instructions are not followed.
NOTE: Gives helpful information.
If a problem should arise, snowthrower, consult an authorized Honda snowthrower dealer.
m Operating this equipment requires special effort to ensure the
safety of the operator and the safety of others. Read and understand this Owner’s Manual before operating this equipment; failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment damage.
HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. 1990, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Indicates severe personal injury or death will result if instruc-
Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equipment damage if
or if you have any questions about your

CONTENTS

SAFETY .............................................................................
1.
WARNING LABEL LOCATION
SAFETY INFORMATION .......................................................
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION AND FUNCTION
2.
ENGINE SWITCH .................................................................
A.C. STARTER BUTTON .......................................................
FUEL VALVE ......................................................................
CHOKE KNOB .....................................................................
STARTER GRIP
CHUTE GUIDE HANDLE ........................................................
AUGER CLUTCH LEVER PRE-OPERATION CHECK
3.
FUEL LEVEL .......................................................................
ENGINE OIL LEVEL
STARTING THE ENGINE .......................................................
4. SNOWTHROWER OPERATION
5. HIGH ALTITUDE OPERATION
STOPPING THE ENGINE .......................................................
6.
MAINTENANCE
7.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................................
TOOL KIT ...........................................................................
ENGINE OIL CHANGE
SPARK PLUG SERVICE .........................................................
SCRAPER INSPECTION, ADJUSTMENT AND REPLACEMENT
AUGER CLUTCH CABLE INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT
DRIVE BELT INSPECTION .....................................................
PADDLE INSPECTION ..........................................................
STORAGE
8. TROUBLESHOOTING
9. SPECIFICATIONS
10.
WARRANTY SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
11.
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3 3 4 6
7 7
; 8 9
9 10 10 12 13 16
19
20
21. 22 23 24 25 27 30 32 34 35 38 39
2

WARNING LABEL LOCATION

Read these labels before operating the snowthrower.

1. SAFETY

CHUTE WHILE
3
Honda snowthrowers are designed to give safe and dependable service if operated according to instructions. Read and understand this Owner’s Manual before operating the snowthrower. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment damage.
Before operating the snowthrower, inspect the area in which you are going to clear snow. Remove debris and other obstacles the snowthrower might strike or throw that may cause injury or damage to the snowthrower. Inspect the snowthrower before operating it. Repair any damage and correct any malfunction before operation. If you hit an obstacle while operating the snowthrower, stop the engine immediately, and check for
damage. Damaged equipment may increase the possibility of injury dur­ing operation. 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. Never use the snowthrower to clear snow from a gravel road or driveway, as rocks may be picked up and thrown. They may cause in-
jury to bystanders.
Adjust the snow discharge chute to avoid hitting the operator, bystanders, windows, and other objects with thrown 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 debris and contact with the snowthrower. 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.
l Know how to stop the snowthrower quickly, and understand the opera-
tion of all controls.
l Never permit anyone to operate the snowthrower without proper in-
struction. If people or pets suddenly appear in front of the snowthrower while it is in operation, immediately release the auger clutch lever to stop the snowthrower and avoid possible injury from rotating auger
blades.
l If the snow discharge chute becomes clogged, stop the engine and use
a trowel or long wooden stick to unclog it. Never put your hand into the snow discharge chute while the engine is running; serious personal in­jury could result.
l Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain condi-
tions. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks where the snowthrower is refueled or where gasoline is stored. Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not overfill the fuel tank, and make sure the filler cap is closed securely after refueling.
l Never run the engine in an enclosed or confined area. Exhaust contains
poisonous carbon monoxide gas; exposure can cause loss of con­sciousness and may lead to death.
l 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 storing the snowthrower indoors.
l Always make a pre-operation inspection (page IO) before you start the
engine. You may prevent an accident or equipment damage.
NOTE: While operating the snowthrower, hold the handle firmly, and walk, don’t run. Wear suitable winter boots that resist slipping.
2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION AND FUNCTION
CHUTE GUIDE HANDLE
AUGER PADDLE -
CENTER’bADDLE
CHOKE KNOB
AUGER CLUTCH LEVER
/ ---Tkllr
ENGINE SWITCH
SPARK PLUG COVER
FUEL VALVE d
ENGINE OIL DRAIN PLUG
6
TTON
=tqciJali/
t
#LADE

ENGINE SWITCH

Use the engine switch to turn the ignition system ON for starting, and to STOP the e .
FF
A Type AS Type

A.C. STARTER BUTTON

Push the A.C. starter button to operate the electric starter. (AS Type)
STARTER BUTTON

FUEL VALVE

The fuel valve opens and closes the fuel line leading from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Make sure that the valve is positioned exactly at either the ON or OFF position.
m
valve to OFF to prevent possible fuel leaks; spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite.
Before transporting the snowthrower, be sure to turn the fuel
7

CHOKE KNOB

Close the choke when the engine is cold or difficult to start.
CHOKE KNOB

STARTER GRIP

Pull this grip to start the engine.
8
STARTER

CHUTE GUIDE HANDLE

The chute guide controls the snow discharge angle and direction.
LOW AND NEAR
HIGH AND FAR

AUGER CLUTCH LEVER

When the clutch lever is squeezed, the snowthrowing mechanism is put into operation, and the snowthrower moves forward.
AUGER CLUTCH LE
NOTE: Never squeeze auger clutch on cleared ground; the snowthrower will start suddenly.
9

3. PRE-OPERATION CHECK

IO
m To prevent accidental start-up, turn the engine switch OFF, and disconnect the spark plug cap before performing the pre-operation inspection.

FUEL LEVEL

Unscrew the fuel cap. Check the fuel level.
Your engine is designed to use any gasoline that has a pump oc-
tane number (v
of 91 or higher. Gasoline pumps at service station normally display the pump octane number. We recommend that you use unleaded fuel because it produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends the life of exhaust system components.
Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid getting dirt, dust or w’ater in the fuel tank. Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause persistent “pinging” or heavy ping noise) which, if severe, can lead to engine damage.
m If “spark knock” or “pinging” occurs at a steady engine speed
under normal load, change brands of gasoline. If spark knock or pinging persists, consult your authorized Honda dealer. Failure to do so is con­sidered misuse, and damage caused by misuse is not covered by Honda’s Limited Warranty.
) of 86 or higher, or that has a research octane number
“spark knock” (a metallic rap-
Occasionally you may experience light spark knock while operating under heavy loads. This is no cause for concern, it simply means your engine is operating efficiently. After refueling, be sure to tighten the fuel tank cap firmly.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is refueled or where gasoline is stored. Do not overfill the fuel tank (there should be no fuel in the filler neck).
After refueling, make sure the tank cap is closed properly and securely.
Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the engine. Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of vapor. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
m Don’t let snow get in the fuel tank. Water in the fuel system can
cause stalling and difficult starting. FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 1.25 e (0.33 US gal, 0.27 Imp gal)
LLER OPENING
GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL
If you decide to use a gasoline containing alcohol (gasohol), be sure it’s oc­tane rating is at least as high as that recommended by Honda. There are two types of “gasohol”:
one containing ethanol, and the other containing methanol. Do not use gasohol that contains more than 10% ethanol. Do not use gasoline containing methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) that does not also contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol. Never use gasoline containing more than 5% methanol, even if it has cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.
NOTE:
l Fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from the
use of fuels that contain alcohol is not covered under the warranty. Honda cannot endorse the use of fuels containing methanol since
evidence of their suitability is as yet incomplete.
l Before buying fuel from an unfamiliar station, try to find out if the fuel
contains alcohol, if it does, confirm the type and percentage of alcohol
used. If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms while using a gasoline that contains alcohol, or one that you think contains alcohol, switch to a gasoline that you know does not contain alcohol.
11

ENGINE OIL LEVEL

I
Inspection:
With the snowthrower on a level surface, remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick into the filler neck, but do not screw it in. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. If the level is low, fill to the top of the oil filler neck with the recommended oil.
OIL FILLER NECK
-20 0
I
-30 -20
OIL FILLER CAP AND DIPSTICK
UPPER LEVEL
OIL CAPACITY: 0.6 ! (0.63 US qt. 0.53 Imp qt)
RECOMMENDED OIL:
Use high detergent, premium quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturers’ requirements for API Service Classifica-
tion SG, SF/CC, CD (Motor oils classified SG, SF/CC, CD will show this
designation on the container.) Select the appropriate oil viscosity for the average temperature in your area, as shown in the chart above. SAE 5W-30 is recommended for general, all-temperature use.
20 40 50°F
-10 0 10%
l Engine oil is a major factor affecting engine performance and service
life. Nondetergent oils and 2-stroke engine oils are not recommended because they have inadequate lubricating properties.
l Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine
damage.
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