epremack

After several years of using my Honda HS928, I sheared the 7x40 pin that bolts the auger to the horizontal auger shaft. It's the pin labeled #9 on this diagram: http://www.boats.net/parts/search/Honda/Snow%20Blower/0/HS928%20TAS-A/AUGER/parts.html While I have sheared the other bolt, the one labeled #13 on the above diagram, along with the separate shear bolt on the auger, I have never sheared the #9 one before. I keep a stock of replacements for the other shear bolts, but not this #9 one and was lucky that I had blown out most of my driveway before it sheared and was able to finish with just half of the auger spinning by only using that half of the blower. Is the #9 pin supposed to act as a shear pin too? Is there a "generic" equivalent to this #9 pin?

I was the one who posted this question back in '11 and offer thanks for the advice and updates. I opted to leave the original jet in the carburetor for my pressure washer. While I don't use it often, It seems to work fine at 6,200'. What little fouling of the plug I experience likely comes from the tablespoon of oil that I put into the cylinder when I store it a few times each year. I also have an older Honda HS928 snowblower. I don't know what jet it has (I'm the second owner), but it too seems to run pretty clean. The carburetor on the HS928, however, is now leaking fuel--so I've emptied it but need to get ready for El Nino. I believe it's leaking from either the top of the float chamber or the sediment cup. It's hard to tell where. It runs well for an old and heavily-worked machine, with only intermittent hunting if I use fuel that's a bit stale. I presume it needs fresh gaskets. I noticed that the Honda OEM gasket set costs around $13--about the same price as a whole aftermarket carburetor. Does anyone have experience with these aftermarket carbs? Are they and/or the aftermarket rebuild kits any good? Or should I simply spring for the $13 gasket set and clean out the old carb? I'm not a small engine expert by any stretch, but do generally change my own oil/plug changes and rebuilt the front end of this blower when I bought it back in '11.

My Honda HS928 with tracks is a bit difficult to maneuver when its not moving, so I bought a small $20 dolly (board with four wheels) and slide it under the tracks when I need to maneuver it into its narrow storage space in the garage. 

While using the machine to blow snow, I find it's plenty easy to maneuver while it's moving.  I simply need to think a few feet ahead and steer accordingly.  If I blow it, the hydrostatic transmission on the Honda allows me to back-up easily and correct.

Where I live, we measure snow by the foot, not by the inch, and my driveway is steep.  Tracks are essential for me.  If you need tracks, or can make frequent use of their advantages over wheels, I wouldn't be deterred by the steering concerns. 

Assuming this works, it's simpler to just divide displacement by 32.  You'll get the same result and skip a step.

I've been planning to buy a Honda snowblower this fall from my local dealer.  Had my eyes on the 928TA model which I've used in the past and have found quite good. 

He said he's going to start carrying Husqvarna too, noting that its 1830EXLT model has track drive, hydrostatic transmission, and an 18 lb-ft motor (Snow King), and is a lot cheaper than the Honda. 

He also noted that Honda has upgraded the motor for its 30-inch blower to its GX 390, but tells me this one is much harder to handle than the 928.

Anyone familiar with this Husky or the upgraded Honda? 

I need to be able to reliably blow out a steep, 100-foot drive.  Where I live, we measure our wet,  heavy snow ("Sierra Cement") by the foot, not the inch.