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

Looking at the pictures from Honda.com, the new 928 and 1332 models have auto choke and new exhaust systems.  Perhaps with the new exhaust system, the blower will be much quieter just like HS724. 

Picked up our new Honda 928 today - can not wait to try it in the snow. The chute seems kind of hard to turn. Does it need more grease in it? Thanks!

it is not that easy to turn and seems normal.  Adding more grease will not help much.

DBV1 wrote:
Check the gear mesh between the worm gear and ring gear on the chute, it's probably too tight.  Loosen the nut on bracket that holds the worm gear and reposition it out a bit, then tighten it up again.

The gear does need grease, just a small amount.  Too much will attract more dirt and grit.

Before loosening the nut to make it easier to move - try other one at the dealer if not too far away.  It takes some effort to turn the crank.  It is impossible to determine whether the effort required to turn your chute is normal or not.  It is possible that my crank is too tight but I just got used to it.  My chute does not move unless cranked and stays in the position during  operation.

DBV1 wrote:

I stopped by and tried the 2012 928 model, you are right.  The chute was really hard to turn.  I also tried 1332 and 724.  The chute was hard to turn on all of them.  One thing I noticed was that the cable seems to be rubbing around where the chute drive extends to another piece.  Hopefully you don't have that issue.  BTW: A very nice machine.  The choke control is now on the back, which I wish I had that feature on mine so I don't start the engine at full throttle.  There is diagram of chute guide in your manual.

MN_Runner wrote:
So, does it seem a lot harder to turn than your model?  It seems like the more I play with it - the easier it turns.  Still should be easier though.  I did notice that the cable could come close to rubbing, where you said it was.  My cable seems to be ok, but will watch that.  Started it up today and seems very simple to use.  Starts easy too!  Just need some snow now.

The crank rod for the chute does rub against the cables, it was either the drive engagement or auger engagement cable.  On the 1132, it was a tight squeeze.   I went to the hardware store and bought some plastic tubing 3/8" or 5/16" ID.  I cut a 4" section, slit it in half, and slipped it over the cable.  If this tubing wears out, I'll just slip another one on.

It is good that it is getting easier.  When I cranked the chute rotator, it was a bit tigher than my 2011 model.  I was surprized by number of changes for 2012 model.  I think your 2012 model is much quieter than mine yet powerful.

I don't have a light so it is not as tight - the light wire harness adds to the thickness.   For 2012 HS928, the light comes as a standard feature which is the reason for the extra tightness. 

If the Chute is resistant the bolts holding it down were overtightened, back them off a little till they no longer cause the chute to bind. I used a 100% synthetic all purpose grease to lube that contact area because it is very water resistant, and will not harden the way lithium grease will.  Moving the worm gear was not necessary.  I also purchased stainless steel bolts for this as the salt from the road will corrode the metal fast on the chute and its hold downs.  The rotation shaft and gear is already stainless.  Another Honda Plus.