Transporting; Storage; Storage Preparation; Before Loading - Honda HS520A Owner's Manual

Scraper blade replacement
A new scraper blade can be purchased from a servicing Honda
dealer. See page 19 for scraper blade and hardware part numbers.
1. Turn the engine switch and fuel valve to the OFF position
and disconnect the spark plug cap so the engine cannot be
accidentally started.
2. Tilt the snowthrower forward to provide access the underside of
the scraper blade.
3. Remove the three flange nuts, flat washers, and the scraper blade.
4. Install the new scraper blade, reusing the bolts, washers, and nuts.
5. Adjust the scraper blade. See "Scraper blade adjustment" on
previous page.
CARRIAGE
BOLT (3)
SCRAPER BLADE
FLAT WASHER (3)
FLANGE NUT (3)

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. This will prevent carburetor flooding and
reduce the possibility of fuel leakage.
Avoid removing any parts from the snowthrower before transport,
unless you are mechanically proficient, have the right tools, and follow
the procedures in the HS520 Shop Manual.

LOADING AND UNLOADING

If a suitable loading ramp is not available, two people should lift the
snowthrower on and off the transport vehicle while holding the
snowthrower level.
Position the snowthrower so both wheels and the auger box are on
the bed of the transport vehicle. Tie the snowthrower down with rope
or straps, and block the wheels. Keep the tie-down rope or straps
away from the auger drive clutch lever and cable.
14

STORAGE

STORAGE PREPARATION

(page 6)
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your snowthrower
trouble-free 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.
Cleaning
1. Rinse the auger housing and wheels with a garden hose. Wipe the
rest of the snowthrower with a moist rag.
2. After the snowthrower has dried, touch up any damaged paint.
Fuel
NOTICE
Depending on the region where you operate your equipment, fuel
formulations may deteriorate and oxidize rapidly. Fuel deterioration
and oxidation can occur in as little as 30 days and may cause damage
to the carburetor and/or fuel system. Please check with your servicing
dealer for local storage recommendations.
Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will
cause hard starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel
system. If the gasoline in your engine deteriorates during storage, you
may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system components
serviced or replaced.
The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and
carburetor without causing functional problems will vary with such
factors as gasoline blend, your storage temperatures, and whether
the fuel tank is partially or completely filled. The air in a partially filled
fuel tank promotes fuel deterioration. Very warm storage
temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration. Fuel deterioration
problems may occur within a few months, or even less if the gasoline
was not fresh when you filled the fuel tank.
The DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED WARRANTY does not cover fuel
system damage or engine performance problems resulting from
neglected storage preparation.
You can extend fuel storage life by adding a fuel stabilizer that is
formulated for that purpose, or you can avoid fuel deterioration
problems by draining the fuel tank and carburetor.
Adding 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.
1. Add fuel stabilizer following the manufacturer's instructions.
2. After adding a fuel stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for 10
minutes to be sure that treated gasoline has replaced the
untreated gasoline in the fuel system.
3. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position
4. Continue to run the engine until it stops from the lack of fuel in the
carburetor fuel bowl. Running time should be less than 3 minutes.
(page 6).