Honda HS520 Problems? Your Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide
The Honda HS520 is a titan in the world of single-stage snow blowers, celebrated for its reliability and powerful performance. But like any hardworking machine, it can encounter problems that leave you stranded in a winter wonderland. This guide dives deep into the most common Honda HS520 problems, providing expert-level, actionable solutions to get you back to clearing snow in no time.
Understanding these issues is the first step toward a quick fix. From engine sputters to a non-spinning auger, we will cover the symptoms, causes, and step-by-step repairs to restore your machine to its peak condition.
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Engine Starting Problems: The Cold Truth
One of the most frequent complaints revolves around getting the engine to start, especially at the beginning of the season. These issues almost always trace back to fuel, spark, or air. Before diving into complex repairs, always ensure basic safety by disconnecting the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starts.
A systematic approach can quickly isolate the culprit. Start with the simplest checks and move toward more involved troubleshooting to save time and effort.
The Engine Won’t Start at All
When you pull the starter cord and get nothing, not even a sputter, the problem is fundamental. The most common cause is stale fuel left over from the previous season. Gasoline degrades over time, losing its combustible properties and forming gummy deposits that clog the fuel system.
Your first step should always be to drain the old fuel from the tank and carburetor bowl and replace it with fresh, stabilized gasoline. Another simple oversight is the fuel valve; ensure it is in the “ON” position. If fresh fuel doesn’t solve it, the next components to inspect are the spark plug and the fuel line for blockages.
Engine Starts, Then Stalls Immediately
An engine that fires up for a moment only to die is a classic symptom of fuel starvation. While there might be just enough fuel in the carburetor bowl to start, a blockage is preventing a continuous supply. This is almost always due to a clogged main jet in the carburetor.
Another potential cause is a blocked fuel cap vent. A clogged vent creates a vacuum in the fuel tank that stops gas from flowing. A quick test is to slightly loosen the gas cap and try starting the engine again; if it runs, the cap is the problem.
Performance Problems: Surging and Power Loss
An engine that runs but performs poorly is not just frustrating; it’s a sign of underlying issues that need attention. Engine surging, where the RPMs fluctuate up and down, and a noticeable loss of power under load are two common performance complaints.
These problems often develop gradually and can be caused by a variety of factors, from contaminated fuel to a dirty air filter or incorrect adjustments. Addressing them promptly prevents more significant damage down the line.
Decoding Engine Surging
Engine surging is typically a sign of a lean fuel mixture, meaning there’s too much air and not enough fuel reaching the combustion chamber. This is most frequently caused by a partially clogged carburetor jet or water in the fuel. Ethanol in modern gasoline is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and absorbs water from the air, which can then settle in the carburetor bowl.
To fix this, you may need to thoroughly clean the carburetor. This involves removing the bowl, float, and jets and cleaning all small passages with carburetor cleaner and compressed air. Never use a wire or drill bit to clean jets, as this can damage them and permanently alter the fuel mixture.
Loss of Power When Clearing Snow
If your HS520 bogs down and loses power when it hits a patch of heavy snow, it’s struggling to keep up with the demand. This can be caused by simple maintenance items like a fouled spark plug or a dirty air filter. An old spark plug may not produce a strong enough spark for efficient combustion under load.
Similarly, a clogged air filter restricts the amount of air entering the engine, leading to a rich fuel mixture, which causes sluggish performance and black smoke. Also, operating the snow blower too quickly for the snow conditions can overload the engine, causing it to bog down.
Operational Failures: Auger and Chute Issues
Beyond the engine, the mechanical components that move the snow are also subject to wear and failure. Problems with the auger or the discharge chute can render the machine useless, even if the engine is running perfectly.
These issues are often related to belts, cables, and wearable rubber parts that require periodic inspection and replacement. Regular maintenance is key to preventing these operational headaches.
Auger Fails to Spin
When the engine is running but the rubber paddles aren’t turning, the link between the two has been broken. On the HS520, this connection is the auger drive belt. Over time, this belt can stretch, wear, or break entirely.
Inspecting the belt requires removing the belt cover. If the belt is loose, cracked, or broken, it must be replaced. Another possibility is a misadjusted or broken auger engagement cable, which creates the tension needed for the belt to grip the pulleys.
Poor Snow Discharge and Clogging
A common frustration is the discharge chute constantly clogging, especially in wet, heavy snow. While all single-stage blowers can struggle with these conditions, several factors can make it worse. The primary cause of poor throwing distance and clogging is worn auger paddles.
These rubber paddles not only propel the snow into the chute but also help pull the machine forward. As they wear down, the clearance between the paddle edge and the pavement increases, reducing their effectiveness. Honda recommends replacing the paddles when the wear exceeds a certain limit, typically around 5/8 of an inch from the metal support.
Quick Troubleshooting Reference
For a fast diagnosis, this table summarizes the most common issues and their likely solutions. It’s a handy guide for quick checks before starting a more detailed repair.
| Problem | Most Likely Cause | Quick Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Engine won’t start | Stale fuel or closed fuel valve | Replace with fresh, stabilized fuel and ensure the valve is ON. |
| Starts, then stalls | Clogged main jet or fuel cap vent | Clean the carburetor’s main jet; loosen the fuel cap to test the vent. |
| Engine surges | Water in fuel or dirty carburetor | Drain the fuel system and clean the carburetor thoroughly. |
| Auger not turning | Worn or broken auger belt | Inspect and replace the V-belt. |
| Chute clogs easily | Worn auger paddles or wet snow | Check paddle wear and replace if necessary. Use silicone spray in the chute. |
| Loss of power | Dirty air filter or old spark plug | Clean/replace the air filter and install a new, correctly gapped spark plug. |
Preventative Maintenance: The Secret to Longevity
The best way to deal with Honda HS520 problems is to prevent them from happening in the first place. A consistent maintenance schedule will not only ensure reliability but also extend the life of your machine significantly.
Many owners overlook simple tasks that can have a major impact on performance and durability. Integrating these advanced tips into your routine will keep your snow blower ready for whatever winter throws at it.
Mastering Fuel and Carburetor Care
The vast majority of small engine problems originate in the fuel system. To avoid these issues, always use fresh, high-quality gasoline (87 octane or higher) and treat it with a quality fuel stabilizer. Stabilizer prevents fuel degradation and the formation of varnish and gum deposits.
At the end of the season, there are two schools of thought on storage. You can either run the carburetor completely dry by shutting off the fuel valve and letting the engine run until it stops, or you can fill the tank with stabilized fuel and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the carburetor. The former is often considered the most foolproof method for preventing carburetor clogs.
Optimizing Scraper and Paddle Adjustments
For maximum snow-clearing performance, the scraper bar and auger paddles must be in good condition and properly set. The scraper bar, located at the bottom of the auger housing, is a critical wear item that protects the housing from damage and sets the height for how cleanly the paddles clear the surface.
Inspect the scraper bar before each use. If it is excessively worn or damaged, replace it immediately. Proper paddle clearance to the ground ensures a clean scrape, which is vital for single-stage blowers that rely on this contact to propel themselves.
Smart Storage and Home Safety
Proper off-season storage is crucial. Clean the machine thoroughly to remove salt and debris, which can cause corrosion. Store it in a dry, covered area to protect it from the elements. This is also a good time to ensure your garage or shed is safely organized; you wouldn’t want storage mishaps to damage your equipment, which can happen if a closet wire shelf fell out of wall due to improper installation.
Winterizing your home often involves checking multiple systems. Homeowners frequently research appliance durability, drawing comparisons much like a detailed rheem vs state water heaters analysis, to ensure all equipment is ready for the cold. When setting up your storage space with work lights or battery chargers, prioritize electrical safety, and be aware of the risks of using a surge protector on ungrounded outlet.
Conclusion: Your Partner Against the Storm
While the Honda HS520 is a robust and reliable machine, it requires consistent care to perform at its best. By understanding its common problems and knowing how to address them, you can tackle most issues yourself, saving time and money on professional repairs.
Regular maintenance, from using fresh fuel to inspecting wear parts like belts and paddles, is your best defense against unexpected breakdowns. With the knowledge from this guide, you can face the winter with confidence, knowing your Honda HS520 is ready to clear the way.
