Honda Harmony HS520A Owner's Manual

Honda Harmony HS520A Owner's Manual

Honda snow thrower owner's manual
Hide thumbs Also See for Harmony HS520A:

Advertisement

®
Owner's Manual
Snowthrower
HS520A
HS520AS
®
©1999 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for Honda Harmony HS520A

  • Page 1 ® Owner's Manual Snowthrower HS520A • HS520AS ® ©1999 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved...
  • Page 2 WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. 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.
  • Page 3 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.
  • Page 4 INTRODUCTION 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.
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS SNOWTHROWER SAFETY... 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION... 4 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS ... 7 CONTROLS & FEATURES ... 8 COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS ... 8 CONTROLS ... 9 BEFORE OPERATION... 11 ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? ... 11 IS YOUR SNOWTHROWER READY TO GO?... 11 CHECK YOUR WORK AREA ...
  • Page 6: Snowthrower Safety

    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.
  • Page 7 SNOWTHROWER SAFETY 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.
  • Page 8 SNOWTHROWER SAFETY 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.
  • Page 9: Safety Label Locations

    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. B CAUTION HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU. Stay away if engine has been running.
  • Page 10: Controls & Features

    CONTROLS & FEATURES COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS Use the two illustrations on this page to locate and identify the most frequently used controls. HANDLEBAR STARTER GRIP OIL FILLER CAP ENGINE OIL DRAIN PLUG HS520AS STARTER BUTTON CHUTE GUIDE HANDLE AUGER CLUTCH LEVER SPARK PLUG...
  • Page 11: Controls

    OFF position to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage. 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.
  • Page 12 CONTROLS & FEATURES 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.
  • Page 13: Before Operation

    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.
  • Page 14: Check Your Work Area

    BEFORE OPERATION 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.
  • Page 15: Operation

    OPERATION SNOWTHROWING PRECAUTIONS Before operating the snowthrower for the first time, please review both the SNOWTHROWER SAFETY chapter (page 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 your skills.
  • Page 16 OPERATION 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. 120 VAC OUTLET To minimize the possibility of potentially dangerous electrical shock, always use a 3-conductor power cord with a power...
  • Page 17 5 minutes before operating it again. Manual (Pull) Starting a. Turn the engine switch to the ON position. HS520A b. Pull the starter grip slowly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. c. Return the starter grip gently.
  • Page 18: Stopping The Engine

    Under normal conditions, use the following procedure. 1. Release the auger clutch lever. The auger will stop operation. 2. Turn the engine switch to the OFF position. HS520A 3. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. RELEASE HS520AS...
  • Page 19: Clearing Snow

    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.
  • Page 20: Removing Obstructions

    OPERATION • 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.
  • Page 21: Servicing Your Honda Snowthrower

    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 procedures using basic hand tools.
  • Page 22: Maintenance Safety

    SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 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. Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.
  • Page 23: Maintenance Schedule

    SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Item Action Engine oil check • change Spark plug check & • clean replace Scraper bar check- readjust Moving parts apply oil Fuel tank and drain • carburetor Auger clutch check- lever freeplay readjust Engine speed check &...
  • Page 24: Refueling

    SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 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. Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
  • Page 25: Fuel Recommendations

    SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 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.
  • Page 26 SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 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.
  • Page 27: Spark Plug Service

    SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 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.
  • Page 28 SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER A replacement spark plug may be purchased from a servicing Honda snowthrower dealer. See page 49 for a part number list. SPARK PLUG: BPR5ES (NGK) or W16EPR-U (DENSO) 3. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge.
  • Page 29: Auger

    SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 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.
  • Page 30 SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 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.
  • Page 31 SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 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.
  • Page 32 SERVICING YOUR HONDA SNOWTHROWER 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.
  • Page 33: Storage

    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.
  • Page 34 STORAGE 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.
  • Page 35 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.
  • Page 36: Storage Precautions

    STORAGE 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.
  • Page 37: Transporting

    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.
  • Page 38: Taking Care Of Unexpected Problems

    TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ENGINE PROBLEMS Electric starter does not operate Check electrical outlet. Check power cord. Starter operates, but engine will not start Check fuel delivery to engine. Check fuel condition. Check for spark. Possible cause No electric current from outlet. Defective power cord.
  • Page 39: Drive Problems

    TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS Engine has low power Check ground speed. Snowthrowing swath too wide for snow conditions. Check auger housing. Check spark plug. Check choke position. Check fuel condition. DRIVE PROBLEMS Engine runs, but snowthrower doesn't operate Check auger paddle Check auger clutch lever for position.
  • Page 40: Snowthrower Problems

    TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS SNOWTHROWER PROBLEMS Won't blow snow Check auger housing. Auger not engaging. Snow not discharging properly Auger not engaging. Check snow conditions. Check ground speed. Engine stalls when auger clutch lever is engaged Check auger housing. Possible cause Discharge chute restricted.
  • Page 41: Set-Up

    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. Qty. Description Curved head bolt 8 x 40 mm Flange nut, 8 mm Curved washer, 9 mm Phillips head shoulder screw 6 x 12 mm...
  • Page 42 For the HS520AS, snap the starter rope into the rope guide on the handlebar and install the two cable ties. Trim the cable ties to a length of 3/8 inch (10 mm). HS520A CURVED HEAD BOLT...
  • Page 43 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)
  • Page 44: Technical & Consumer Information

    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 Use a flashlight to view through the hole for the exhaust pipe.
  • Page 45 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 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 by specific modifications to the carburetor.
  • Page 46 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 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.
  • Page 47: Emission Control System

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 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 monoxide does not react in the same way, but it is toxic.
  • Page 48: Air Index

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 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 available engines.
  • Page 49 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 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 same standards as the original parts, so you can be confident of their performance.
  • Page 50: Consumer Information

    Specifications are subject to change without notice. SZBG 49.5 inches (1258 mm) 20.7 inches (527 mm) 40.4 (1026 mm) HS520A: 76 lbs (34.5 kg) HS520AS:86 lbs (39.0 kg) 12 x 20 inches (306 x 500 mm) front: 26 feet (8 m) left/right: 16 feet (5 m) 1.6 hours...
  • Page 51 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 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 used by a skilled technician.
  • Page 52 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Distributor's Limited Warranty PRODUCTS COVERED BY THIS LENGTH OF WARRANTY WARRANTY (from date of original retail purchase) Noncommercial/Nonrental Commercial/Rental Harmony Snowthrower 24 months 3 months 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.
  • Page 53 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Accessories, Replacement Parts, and Apparel Warranty PRODUCTS COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY Accessories Replacement Parts Apparel 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.
  • Page 54: Emission Control System Warranty

    TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 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 Air Resources Board and American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
  • Page 55 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 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.
  • Page 56 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION 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 Manager or General Manager can help.
  • Page 57: Index

    INDEX 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 belt tension adjustment ... 28 inspection ... 28 carburetor draining ... 32 modifications for altitude .43 control locations ...
  • Page 58 INDEX 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 ... 31 cleaning ... 31 fuel ... 31 precautions ...
  • Page 59: Quick Reference Information

    QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION Fuel type capacity Engine Oil type capacity Spark Plug type Maintenance before each use / subsequent Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane of 86 or higher (page 22). 0.3 U.S. gallon (1.3 liter) Above 15° F (-9° C): SAE 5W-30 Below 15°...
  • Page 60 ® IPC 13500.2001.05 31V10601 Printed on 00X31-V10-6010 Recycled Paper PRINTED IN U.S.A.

This manual is also suitable for:

Harmony hs520as

Table of Contents