The best way to keep a Honda HS1366i snowblower in great condition for years to come is to keep up with the regular maintenance routines that keep the engine and all moving parts in great condition. Honda’s user guide comes with several great recommendations for equipment owners, including a comprehensive maintenance schedule that helps the equipment weather each and every storm. Whether it’s inspecting the spark plug or larger parts like the auger, here’s what to know when keeping the snowblower in top shape throughout the coldest months of the year.
Safety is Key to Maintenance Procedures
Honda’s snowblowers come with plenty of moving parts and very powerful engines, making safety a top concern. To ensure excellent safety throughout each maintenance task, be sure to perform work only on a cool snowblower engine. Never perform maintenance work in an enclosed space, and never work on an uneven surface. By using well-ventilated, outdoor, or level areas, equipment owners will reduce the risk of injury while improving their equipment’s performance and efficiency.
Spark Plug Service
Honda recommends regular spark plug service checks, which can be done by simply loosening the spark plug from the equipment and giving it a thorough inspection. Be sure to clear off any accumulated dirt or carbon deposits, and look for electrodes that might be cracked, worn, or fouled. If this is the case, replace the spark plug before continuing with snow clearing. It’s also important to measure the spark plug gap upon reinsertion, making sure it falls between 0.028 inches and 0.031 inches.
Track Adjustments
Track alignment checks and adjustments should occur periodically throughout the winter season. Ideally, a downward force of 22 pounds on clean, dry tracks should result in deflection of between 0.63 inches and 0.79 inches. If this is not the case, an adjustment is required. To adjust the tracks, loosen the right and left tracking bolt lock nuts and adjust these parts until the proper tension is applied to the tracks. Tighten the lock nuts after the proper adjustments have been made.
Inspection of the Auger and Blower
Occasional inspection of the auger and auger housing, blower, and all shear bolts, should be conducted prior to snow clearing. If operators notice any significant wear and tear on shear bolts or auger housing, the relevant parts should be replaced with OEM equivalents as soon as possible. This is especially important in the case of shear bolts which, if worn excessively, can damage the equipment and greatly reduce both the effectiveness and efficiency of clearing snow at any depth.
A Look at the Shear Bolt Replacement Procedure
As mentioned earlier, worn shear bolts can be a pretty big hazard for any snowblower. Replacement of these crucial parts is relatively easy for those who own a Honda HS1366i snowblower. Follow each of these steps:
1. Put the snowblower on a firm surface, ensuring that both the surface and the equipment are level.
2. Ensure the auger clutch switch is in its “off” position, release the drive clutch lever, and then lower the auger to its lowest possible point. Next, turn the engine switch to its “off” position.
3. Turn the engine switch to its “off” position and then remove the ignition key. Do not continue until all moving parts come to a full stop, since working among moving parts can lead to serious injury and equipment damage.
4. Clean the auger and blower, removing all dirt, snow, and ice. Do the same thing to the snow clearing mechanism.
5. Remove all damaged or worn shear bolts, and replace them with OEM equivalents. Tighten them firmly before continuing.
Auger and Blower Replacement Considerations
Because the auger makes regular contact with the ground, it will inevitably become worn after a few seasons’ worth of snow clearing. When excessive wear can be seen on the rotating auger parts, a replacement is necessary. Generally, the most significant indicator of an auger’s required replacement is when it begins coming into contact with the housing during operation. This will also reduce the efficiency and consistency of snow clearing, making it pretty obvious that a replacement is in order.
Honda does not recommend that snowblower owners replace their own auger and blower housing. Instead, the company suggests owners contact an authorized service provider to perform this task in an effort to reduce the risk of injury and ensure the snowblower remains operational at peak efficiency.
Battery Service Considerations
Snowblower batteries are remarkably resilient, but they do require regular inspection and occasional replacement in order to keep the equipment running well throughout the winter season. Here’s what to consider and check when operating the HS1366i snowblower.
1. Electrolyte Level
The electrolyte level is a key measure of battery effectiveness and charging, and it should be checked regularly. To check electrolyte levels, simply uncover the battery and look for the electrolyte test level window. This will show current levels and indicate whether or not battery service is required. Distilled water can be added to the upper level in order to solve this problem in most cases.
2. Charging
To charge the battery, simply connect the included charging cable as recommended by the battery manufacturer. Charge the battery for between 5 and 10 hours as needed, making sure not to overcharge the battery. A solution of water and baking soda should be used to clean the outside of the battery while charging.
3. The Fuse
Fuses should be repaired as soon as they show signs of failure. If failure continues even after an attempted repair, a replacement is in order. Stop using the snowblower immediately and schedule service with an authorized retailer before continuing.
HondaLawnParts.com Can Help with Snowblower Maintenance
Customers who are looking for the right parts for snowblower maintenance will find no better resource than HondaLawnParts.com. With a great parts lookup tool and years of experience servicing Honda equipment, it’s easy to find the right parts, guidelines, and services for existing equipment.
