Although Honda snow blowers are designed to last for a very long time, they still require regular maintenance to ensure that key parts are working safely and efficiently. Honda’s instruction manual comes with a full guide dedicated to routine maintenance throughout the winter season, but a few basic tips and hints can also guide equipment owners in the right direction.
The most comprehensive guide to snow blower maintenance is Honda’s maintenance schedule. The schedule groups required maintenance by hourly and seasonal intervals, similar to mileage-based maintenance requirements enforced by car manufacturers. With the maintenance schedule in mind, there are a few important things to know when performing some of its recommended tasks.
Snow Blower Fuel Considerations
Fuel should typically be added prior to each snow blower use. If the snow blower runs low on fuel during operation, turn the equipment off and fill the fuel tank to capacity. Honda recommends a low-octane, unleaded gasoline for its HS928 snow blower. Diesel fuels, or fuels with a high ethanol concentration, cannot be used with this particular model.
Engine Oil Changes and Checks
The HS928 requires a few unique considerations when it comes to engine oil. Most importantly, Honda recommends using the dipstick to check oil levels before each snow blower use. For new snow blowers, Honda requires an oil change after the first 20 hours of use. After this initial oil change, future oil changes can be completed once per season when the equipment is removed from storage. When adding or changing oil, a 5W-30 mixture should be used for excellent performance in cold weather.
Spark Plug Maintenance
At a minimum, the spark plug should be checked yearly and cleaned with a stiff brush. If the snow blower is used heavily throughout the winter, however, it’s a good idea to inspect and adjust the spark plug at least once each month. The spark plug should be completely replaced after 250 hours of use. At most, Honda recommends going no longer than 5 years without replacing the spark plug.
Track Adjustment
The snow blower’s tracks should be adjusted when the snow blower is removed from storage each year. Begin by measuring the level of deflection at the midpoint of the tracks. Ideally, deflection should measure between 27 and 33 millimeters. If the deflection measurement falls outside this range, adjustment will be necessary before the snow blower performs its first job. To adjust the tracks, loosen the left and right adjusting nuts. Tighten or loosen the tracks as needed, and then lock the new position in place by tightening the adjusting nuts.
Tire and Wheel Inspection
Before storing the snow blower, check its sidewalls for damage and use a tire gauge to check tire pressure. If the sidewalls show any signs of cracking or excessive wear, the tires should be completely replaced. Otherwise, tire pressure should simply be checked and adjusted appropriately prior to storage.
Auger and Blower Inspection
Inspect the augers, shear bolts and blower housing before each use. If any signs of damage are noticeable, they should be properly repaired prior to using the snow blower. If the shear bolts are significantly damaged, they must also be replaced before the snow blower can be used. Honda includes two replacement shear bolts in the snow blower’s included tool kit. Remove the old bolts using the tool kit’s included wrench and then insert the new bolts in their place.
Skid Shoes and Scraper
The skid shoes and scraper both wear down over time. As a result, Honda recommends inspection of these two key parts before each use. If either part looks too thin or has an excessive ground clearance, replacement is likely necessary to ensure proper removal of snow from the surface of driveways and sidewalks.
Find OEM S928 Snow Blower Parts at HondaLawnParts.com
The quality of Honda’s OEM parts is the best way to ensure lifelong safety and efficiency from any Honda equipment used around the home. HondaLawnParts.com is an excellent resource for snow blower owners who need replacement parts to finish their regular maintenance procedures. With a wide selection of OEM parts and a helpful search tool, the website makes it easy to find the highest quality replacements for the HS928 throughout the winter.
