Thank you for purchasing a Honda snowthrower. This manual covers the operation thrower. and maintenance of the HS521 snow- All information in this publication is based on the latest product tion available at the time of approval for printing. informa- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes without notice and without incurring any obligation. at any time No part of this publication permission.
CONTENTS 1. SAFETY ............................................................................. WARNING LABEL LOCATION ................................................ SAFETY INFORMATION ....................................................... 2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION AND FUNCTION ...................... ENGINE SWITCH ................................................................. A.C. STARTER BUTTON ....................................................... FUEL VALVE .....................................
1. SAFETY WARNING LABEL LOCATION Read these labels before operating the snowthrower.
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.
l l l l l l l Know how to stop the snowthrower quickly, and understand the operation of all controls. Never permit anyone to operate the snowthrower without proper instruction. 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. If the snow discharge chute becomes clogged, stop the engine and use a trowel or long wooden stick to unclog it.
2.
ENGINE SWITCH Use the engine switch STOP the e . to turn the ignition system ON for starting, and to FF A Type A.C. STARTER AS Type 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.
CHOKE KNOB Close the choke when the engine is cold or difficult CHOKE KNOB STARTER GRIP Pull this grip to start the engine. STARTER 8 to start.
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 into operation, and the snowthrower moves forward. mechanism is put AUGER CLUTCH LE NOTE: Never squeeze auger clutch will start suddenly.
3. PRE-OPERATION CHECK m To prevent accidental start-up, and disconnect the spark plug cap before inspection. turn the engine switch OFF, performing the pre-operation FUEL LEVEL Unscrew the fuel cap. Check the fuel level. Your engine is designed to use any gasoline that has a pump oc) of 86 or higher, or that has a research octane number tane number (v of 91 or higher. Gasoline pumps at service station normally display the pump octane number.
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.
ENGINE OIL LEVEL 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 I -30 OIL FILLER CAP AND DIPSTICK UPPER LEVEL OIL CAPACITY: 0.6 ! (0.63 RECOMMENDED OIL: US qt. 0.
4. STARTING THE ENGINE m 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 Connect the female end of your power cord to the switch box and the male end to a properly grounded 120 Volt A/C outlet. (AS Type). IUSE ONLY WITH GROUNDEDOUTLET AN0 R 1 MINUTE WITHOUT POWER CORD 1. Turn the engine switch to the ON position.
2. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position. FUEL ‘VALVE 3. When the engine is cold, move the choke to the CLOSE position. CHOKE KNOB 4. Pull the starter m Damage grip lightly until you feel resistance, may result if the starter grip is pulled while the engine is running. TARTER GRIP 14 then pull briskly.
l Push the starter button until the engine starts. (AS Type) m l l l Do not operate the starter for more than 1 minute. If the engine fails to start, release the button and allow the starter to cool for 15 minutes before operating it again. To avoid serious engine damage, never operate the starter while the engine is running. After the engine starts, disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet first, and then from the switch box. STARTER BUTTON 5.
5. SNOWTHROWER OPERATION Before operating this equipment you should SAFETY information on pages 4 and 5. read and understand the 1. Hold the handle firmly with one hand. 2. Squeeze the auger clutch lever with your other hand to engage the snowthrowing mechanism. When you release your hand, it will stop. AUGER CLUTCH LEVER NOTE: To move the snowthrower forward, raise the handle up and away from the ground. The snowthrower will move forward as long as the auger contacts the ground.
3. Start the snowthrowing operation and is running smoothly. l l only after the engine has warmed up 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. If the snow discharge chute becomes clogged, stop the engine and use a trowel or long wooden stick to unclog it.
4. When the temperature is high, and the snow is wet and heavy, operate at reduced ground speed. l Walk the snowthrower dle down and forward necessary. slowly to remove hard or deep snow. Push hanfor additional traction and overlap each swath if 5. When the height of the snow is greater than the height of the snowthrowing mechanism, push the snowthrower back and forth to remove snow gradually.
HIGH ALTITUDE OPERATION At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be excessively rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. High altitude performance can be improved by installing a smaller diameter main fuel jet in the carburetor and readjusting the pilot screw. If you always operate the snowthrower at altitudes higher than 6,000 feet above sea level, have your authorized Honda Snowthrower dealer perform these carburetor modifications.
To stop the engine in an emergency, turn the engine mediately. To stop the engine in normal circumstances. 1. Turn to the engine switch to the OFF position. switch FF A Type 2. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.
7. MAINTENANCE Periodic inspection and maintenance will help extend the service life of your HS521 Snowthrower while keeping it in the best operating condition. Inspect or seivice as described on the next page. l l l l Shut off the engine before performing inspection and maintenance, and disconnect the spark plug wire from the plug so the engine cannot be started. If the engine must be run, make sure the area is well ventilated.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SERVICE PERIOD (3) \I EACH USE ( z” -1 ITEM Engine Check level 0 ______________________________________________ ___________________.___________________-.__________________ oil Change Auger paddles Scraper blade Soark olua Bolts, nuts, Auger clutch belt Fuel strainer Apply Fuel I Valve NOTE: 22 1 I I 0 I I 0 Check-Readjust cup (sediment cup) and carburetor line clearance (1) (2) 0 ______-__-____________________________ ____________________.
TOOL KIT SPARK PLUG WRENCH WRENCH HANDLE 23
ENGINE OIL CHANGE Drain the oil while the engine is still warm to assure rapid and complete draining. 1. Remove the drain plug and filler cap, and drain the oil. Retighten the plug securely. 2. Fill the crankcase with the recommended oil (see page 12) and check the level. OIL CAPACITY: 0.6 f! (0.63 US qt. 0.53 Imp qt) UPPER LEVEL CAP m Used motor tact with the skin for you handle used oil on your hands with soap oil. oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in conprolonged periods.
SPARK PLUG SERVICE Recommended m careful spark plug: BPR5ES (NGK), WIGEPR-U If the engine has been running, the muffler not to touch the muffler while it is hot. (ND) will be very hot. Be To ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug must be properly ped and free of deposits. 1. Remove the spark plug cover then the spark plug cap. gap- 2. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base. 3. Use the wrench supplied in the tool kit to remove the spark plug. SPARK PLUG WRENCH 4.
5. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge. 0.7 to 0.8 mm (0.027-0.031 in) Correct as necessary by bending the side electrode. PLUG GAP 6. Make sure that the spark plug washer is in good condition and thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading. 7. After the spark plug is seated, tighten with a spark plug wrench to compress the washer. NOTE: If installing a new spark plug, tighten l/2 turn after the spark plug seats to compress the washer.
SCRAPER INSPECTION, ADJUSTMENT AND REPLACEMENT If the auger housing guard and the scraper are deformed or improperly adjusted, the snowthrower will not clear the snow evenly. The snowthrower should be inspected and adjusted, and any faulty parts should be replaced before it is put back into service in the season or if its performance is impaired. m OFF To prevent accidental starting, turn the engine position and disconnect the spark plug cap. switch to the INSPECTION: 1.
2. Set the chute straight ahead, and raise the chute guide to its highest position. 3. Tilt the snowthrower forward until it rests on the auger housing and chute guide. 4. Loosen 5. Adjust the four self-locking nuts the auger paddle-to-ground and lower clearance the scraper by rotating blade fully. the holders. NOTE: l The holders can be set in four directions. Be sure that all holders are set in the same directions.
6. Tighten the self-locking nuts securely while holding the blade firmly against the holders. 7. Return the snowthrower to the original position and check that the scraper blade contacts the ground evenly. Then, check that the auger paddle-to-ground clearance is O-2 mm (O-0.08 in). REPLACEMENT The scraper must be replaced if it is worn abnormally exceeded. or the service limit is 1. Turn the engine switch off and drain the fuel tank. 2. Lift the handle so that the auger housing faces down. 3.
AUGER CLUTCH CABLE INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT INSPECTION For the auger brake to operate properly, there should be free play in the auger clutch cable with the auger clutch set in the “OFF” position. Check the free play at the tip of the clutch lever. There should be 15 to 35 mm (0.591.38 in) of free play at the tip of the lever. Adjustment is necessary if the free play is excessive or the cable is too taut. 15 to 35 mm (0.59-1.38 in) CLUTCii LEVER ADJUSTMENT 1.
4. Adjust auger clutch lever free play by hooking the belt tension spring and/or clutch cable into the other holes in the adjusting plate. Move the spring and cable closer together to reduce free play, or farther apart to increase free play. ADJUSTING PLATE CABLE BOOT BELT TENSION SPRING CLUTCH CABLE 5. Connect the upper cable end to the clutch lever, and check clutch lever free play again (see page 30). Readjust if necessary.
DRIVE BELT INSPECTION The drive belt is subject to wear and deterioration and should be checked every year before operation. If the snow discharge performance drops while operating the snowthrower, or if it is often clogged with snow, the problem may be due to belt slippage. 1. Check auger clutch lever free play (see page 301, and adjust necessary. 2. Remove the belt cover bolts, then remove the belt cover.
3. Slide the cable boot upward. The drive belt should be adjusted if the length “A” of the drive belt tension spring is less than 30 mm (I. 18 in) with the auger clutch lever squeezed fully. If adjustment is required, consult your authorized Honda dealer.
PADDLE INSPECTION The paddles are subject to wear and deterioration and should be checked every year before operation. Worn paddles reduce snow removal performance, and loose paddles, or loose material from damaged or deteriorated paddles, may damage the auger housing guard. m To prevent accidental starting, turn the engine OFF position and disconnect the spark plug cap. switch to the 1. Drain the fuel as described in section 8 page 35. 2.
8. STORAGE Before storing the snowthrower for an extended period: 1. Be sure the storage area is free of excessive humidity 2. Drain the fuel- l l and dust. Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain tions. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area. Do not drain the fuel tank when the exhaust system is hot. condi- a. Turn the fuel valve ON. b. Loosen the carburetor drain screw, and drain the gasoline into a suitable container.
3. Remove the spark plug cover and spark plug and pour three tablespoonsful of clean motor oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter grip slowly two or three times to distribute the oil. Reinstall the spark plug. S\PARK PLUG COVER 4. Pull the starter grip until resistance is felt. This closes the valves protects the engine from internal corrosion.
Apply oil to the following parts for lubrication and rust prevention. UTCH S -3- CHUTE ADJUSTING BOLT WHEEL SHAFT l Check all nuts, bolts and fasteners and tighten securely if necessary.
9. TROUBLESHOOTING When the engine will not start: 1. Is the engine switch on? 2. Is the fuel valve on? 3. Is there enough fuel? m If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before testing the spark plug or starting the engine. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite. 4. Is gasoline reaching the carburetor? To check, loosen the drain screw with the fuel valve on. Fuel should flow freely. 5. Is there a spark at the spark plug? a. Remove the spark plug cap.
10. SPECIFICATIONS Honda snowthrower Type Power product descrintinn code HS521 Kl SAG Engine Model: Maximum output: Displacement: Bore x stroke: Starting method: Ignition system: Oil capacity: Fuel tank capacity: Spark plug: HONDA GX140 5.0 HP/4000 r.p.m 144 cm3 (8.8 cu. in) 64 X 45 mm (2.5 X 1.8 in) Recoil starter, Recoil or electric starter (AS Type) Transistorized magneto 0.6e (0.63 US qt, 0.53 Imp qt) 1.251 (0.33 US gal,, 0.
11. WARRANTY Owner SERVICE Satisfaction Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to us. All Honda warranty details are explained in the Distributor’s Limited Warranty. Normally, any problems concerning the product will be handled by your dealer’s service department. If you have a warranty problem that has ‘not been handled to your satisfaction, we suggest you take the following action: l Discuss your problem with a member of dealership management.