Most homeowners understand that a snow blower represents a significant initial investment that will help them with winter cleanup in the long-term. The best way to maximize this investment, aside from using it after every major snowfall, is to conduct periodic maintenance that keeps all of the snow blower’s parts in excellent condition. Honda has made this very easy for owners of its HS522 snow blowers. Inside each instruction manual is a maintenance schedule, which shows exactly when to perform each maintenance task. Along with some helpful tips for the snow blower’s most crucial parts, this represents the best way to maximize a snow blower’s safety, dependability, and long-term utility.The Maintenance Schedule: An OverviewThe maintenance schedule is the central document that guides snow blower maintenance throughout the year. The schedule breaks down recommended maintenance into a few key categories: before each use, before storage, after storage, and after the first 20 hours of operation. Less common tasks are scheduled every three or five years, or after every 300 hours of use. Make sure that this maintenance schedule is followed exactly. Its suggestions are the best way to safeguard the snow blower from damage and safety risks.
Tools of the Trade Come with Every Snow Blower
The good news for HS522 owners is that Honda thoughtfully includes a small tool pouch with the equipment at the time of purchase. The tool pouch holds all of the tools necessary to perform key maintenance tasks, like removing the spark plug or accessing the auger paddles. Homeowners with a new snow blower should find two traditional wrenches, a wrench handle, and a spark plug wrench in the pouch. The pouch should also include two spare bolts and two spare lock nuts, which can be used for auger repairs without heading to a local dealer. With these tools on hand, here’s what to know about equipment maintenance.
1. Engine Oil
The snow blower’s engine oil should be checked prior to each use. Simply remove the dipstick and make sure that the oil registers at the fill line. If this is not the case, add 5W-30 oil until the dipstick records the proper amount.
In addition to checking the engine oil prior to each use, equipment owners must also conduct regular oil changes to protect the engine from damage. New HS522 snow blowers require an engine oil change after the first 20 hours of use. After this initial oil change, Honda recommends a full oil change each winter when removing the snow blower from storage.
2. Spark Plug
The spark plug should be checked and adjusted each year when the snow blower is removed from storage. Begin by removing the spark plug from the snow blower and checking for damage. If the spark plug is damaged, it should be replaced with an OEM part from Honda. If the spark plug shows no signs of damage, it can simply be cleaned with a stiff brush and replaced afterward. To ensure easier ignition and more efficient operation, the spark plug should be properly gapped at least once per year. The HS522 requires a spark plug gap of between 0.7 and 0.8 millimeters.
3. Track Adjustment
Like the snow blower’s spark plug, its tracks must be adjusted once per year. Honda recommends track adjustment at the beginning of the winter season, typically when the snow blower is removed from storage. First and foremost, the track deflection needs to be measured. This will determine whether or not adjustment needs to take place at all. To do this, press down firmly at the midpoint between the track’s two wheels. This should result in measured deflection of between 25 and 30 millimeters. Adjustment is necessary if track deflection is outside this range.
If track adjustment is required, begin by loosening the left and right tension bolt lock nuts situated near the rear axle. Next, tighten or loosen the left and right tension bolts until the track’s deflection falls within Honda’s recommended range. When track deflection measures at an appropriate level, tighten the lock bolts to lock the tracks in place.
Basic Troubleshooting: What to Check When Something Goes Wrong
If the snow blower’s engine fails to start, some basic troubleshooting can typically resolve the problem in a matter of minutes. Start by checking that the gas tank is full. Next, make sure that both the fuel valve and the ignition switch are set to “on.” If the equipment still doesn’t start, the issue is most likely related to a damaged or improperly gapped spark plug. Inspect the spark plug for damage, make sure that it is properly gapped, and attempt ignition again.
Another common problem that HS522 owners might encounter is an immobilized auger. This almost always occurs when the auger bolts are broken or significantly damaged. Stop the engine and check the auger bolts for any signs of serious damage. If needed, the included tool pouch comes with two replacement bolts that can repair the auger and restore its functionality.
HondaLawnParts.com Makes it Easy to Find OEM Parts
The key to added longevity is to perform snow blower maintenance and repairs using OEM parts. Because these parts are manufactured and tested by Honda, they’re typically of higher quality than generic alternatives. Thanks to its online parts search tool, HondaLawnParts.com makes it easy to find the best parts for HS522 snow blowers. Equipment owners can narrow down their options by engine model, snow blower model, or the exact part number required, for easy replacement throughout the winter.
