Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have a Honda HS521 snow thrower and the pull start doesn't turn over the engine anymore.   I'm curious if there's an exploded view of the snow thrower available somewhere because I'm trying to figure out what kind of part I may need.  It just all of a sudden has no resistance anymore.

If you had been using the machine and snow melted into your pull start area, check your pull start for frozen components.   Direct a hair drier or some other form of concentrated heat toward your pull start to melt any ice that may be in there.  If that doesn't work, pull off your recoil to see why the engagement mechanism doesn't engage. 

Is there any kind of a walkthrough that tells you how to pull of the recoil?  I currently have the snow thrower in my garage and I'll leave it in there overnight to see if the melting of snow and ice makes a difference, if not then I'm curious if I can get my hands on a diagram of the recoil....

The recoil system on most small engines are relatively simple devices.  However, for the uninitiated, they might be difficult to figure out.  You should be able to find info by doing a search for "Honda recoil mechanism diagram or parts".   Recoil systems are usually held on with three or more screws onto the engine housing.   Be watchful of how the assembly fits onto the engine and keep your eyes peeled for possible loose or broken parts falling out.  After disassembly and inspection spray the spring and internal parts with WD40, make sure everything is free to move as designed then reinstall.

Does anyone know when the last year Honda made the HS521was????

That's a single stage and if it's anything like a Toro pulling the recoil is a task. On a Toro the back bolts are very difficult to get to. The engine mounting is probably the same as on a Toro. The top cover and dash have to be removed to get inside. Then the gas tank removed to get room to get at the recoil. It's all straight forward but the work area is small and some bolts tough to get at.
dawei