Honda Power Equipment HS520AS, 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.
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.
OWNER’S MANUAL
HS520A • HS520AS
SNOWTHROWER

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 A symbol and one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean:
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
B DANGER
B WARNING
B 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
© 1996–2011 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved
31V10627 00X31-V10-6270
Your snowthrower or other property can be damaged if you don’t follow instructions.
EM3
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.
K0 HS520A K1 HS520AS
POM31V10627
HPE.2011.07
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
B WARNING: B
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
SETTING-UP YOUR NEW
SNOWTHROWER ...........................3
CONTROL LOCATIONS..................5
CONTROLS.....................................6
BEFORE OPERATION....................7
IS YOUR SNOWTHROWER
READY TO GO?...........................7
OPERATION....................................8
SAFE OPERATING
PRECAUTIONS............................8
STARTING THE ENGINE.............8
STOPPING THE ENGINE ............9
CLEARING SNOW .......................9
SERVICING YOUR
SNOWTHROWER .........................10
MAINTENANCE SAFETY...........10
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE.....11
ENGINE MAINTENANCE...........12
AUGER.......................................13
SCRAPER BLADE......................13
REFUELING ...............................11
TRANSPORTING.......................... 14
STORAGE..................................... 14
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED
PROBLEMS................................... 16
TECHNICAL INFORMATION........ 17
SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS 17 CARBURETOR
MODIFICATION FOR HIGH
ALTITUDE OPERATION............ 17
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM17
AIR INDEX ................................. 18
SPECIFICATIONS ..................... 18
CONSUMER INFORMATION ....... 19
REPLACEMENT PARTS, OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT, AND
SERVICE ITEMS........................ 19
DEALER LOCATOR
INFORMATION.......................... 19
CUSTOMER SERVICE
INFORMATION.......................... 19
DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED
WARRANTY............................... 20
HONDA ACCESSORIES, REPLACEMENT PARTS, AND
APPAREL................................... 20
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTY............................... 21
PRODUCT REGISTRATION..
CARD...................................... Last Page
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 injuries and property damage with snowthrowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the snowthrower. The most common hazards 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 debris and contact with the snowthrower.
Refuel with Care
Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can 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.
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 snowthrower 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.
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.
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.

SETTING-UP YOUR NEW SNOWTHROWER

TOOLS REQUIRED

12 mm wrench, 10 mm wrench, and a Phillips screwdriver
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

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
90112-V10-000
6 x 12 mm 3 Flange nut, 6 mm, Nylock 90303-V10-000 2 Cable tie (AS model only) 32901-VB5-A00 2 Key (AS model only) 35110-766-003 1 Honda Genuine oil 08207-5W30
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.
8 mm FLANGE NUT (4)
9 mm CURVED WASHER (4)
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.
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 13.
8 x 40 mm CURVED HEAD BOLT (4)
AUGER CLUTCH LEVER
“Z” FITTING
3
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
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)
HS520AS
9 mm CURVED WASHER
FLANGE NUT
ELECTRIC STARTER BRACKET
FLANGE NUT
CURVED HEAD BOLT
STARTER BRACKET
ROPE GUIDE
CHUTE BASE
PHILLIPS-HEAD SCREW (3)
CHUTE
6 mm NUT (3)
CORRECTLY ASSEMBLED
5. Lift the spark plug door and attach the spark plug cap to the spark plug.
CABLE TIE (2)
6. Remove any packing material from the side of the snowthrower.
4

ADD OIL & FUEL

1. The snowthrower is shipped WITHOUT OIL in the engine.
2. Add enough of the recommended oil (page 12) 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 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 11.
UPPER LIMIT

BEFORE USE

All operators of the snowthrower must read the following chapters before using the snowthrower:
SNOWTHROWER SAFETY (page 2)

CONTROL LOCATIONS

CHUTE GUIDE HANDLE
AUGER CLUTCH LEVER
FUEL CAP
SPARK
HANDLEBAR
STARTER GRIP
PLUG COVER
CHOKE KNOB
FUEL VALVE
CONTROLS (page 6) BEFORE OPERATION (page 7) OPERATION (page 8) MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (page 11)
OIL FILLER CAP
ENGINE OIL DRAIN PLUG
ENGINE SWITCH
HS520AS
STARTER BUTTON (P. 8)
5

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 button (HS520AS).

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
OFF
HS520A
HS520AS
ON
OFF
OFF
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

Starter Grip

Pull this grip to start the engine.

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.
6
CLOSED
OPEN
Do not engage the auger clutch lever on cleared ground or the snowthrower will move forward suddenly.
RELEASE

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.
B 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.

CHECK YOUR WORK AREA

For your safety and the safety of others, always inspect the area before operating the showthrower.

Objects

Anything which can be picked up by the auger and thrown is a potential hazard to you and others. Look for hazards and remove them from the work area.

People and Pets

People and animals near the work area can move into your snowthrower’s path or into a position where they could be struck by thrown objects. Clear the area of people, especially children and pets. Their safety is your responsibility.

Work Area

Check the condition of the snow. Adjust your snowthrower ground speed and snowblowing swath accordingly.
Check the scraper blade for proper adjustment. Check the scraper blade for the correct auger ground clearance (page 9).
Before beginning your pre-operation checks, be sure the snowthrower is on a level surface and the engine 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 14).
• 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 12).
• Check the fuel level (page 11). Starting with a full tank will help to
eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.
7

OPERATION

SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
Before operating the snowthrower for the first time, please review both the SNOWTHROWER SAFETY chapter (page 2) and the BEFORE OPERATION 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.
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.
B 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 snowthrower in a closed or even partly closed area.

STARTING THE ENGINE

1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.
ON
3. Start the engine.
Electric Start (AS model only):
a. Connect an extension cord (commercially available) to the
starter box first, and then to a 120 volt ac outlet.
120 VAC OUTLET
STARTER BUTTON
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.
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.
STARTER BOX PLUG
ON
2. If the engine is cold, pull
the choke knob out to the CLOSED position.
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.
CLOSED
8
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