Breaking in a new auger

[splakeshaker]

I remember seeing a post last year with great advice on how to break in a new auger. I did a couple searches on here and just can't seem to locate it. If someone recalls that thread and could link it to this thread, I'd be very appreciative. Thanks

[McGurk]

Running 2 tanks of gas through it with out a load, revving it up and down should do it. Time consuming but effective.

[theoilman]

Run your first gallon of gas a double strength oil.

You can use the synthetic AMSOIL Saber Professional, which can normally be used as lean as 100-1 (though many prefer the richer 80-1), but your break-in gallon use it at 50-1.

[splakeshaker]

I ordered the strikemaster magnum. I've been hand drilling for the last 8 years and after last year I came to realize that I'm not as young as I used to be. crazy I downloaded the manual off their site and read it thoroughly. It didn't say anything about breaking it in. I thought some people mixed their oil/gas ratio richer than normal for the 1st couple tanks. Also I know how much people on FM seem to really like the Amsoil saber. I believe that's a synthetic oil. The manual said not to use synthetics in bold red letters so I was wondering what good oil to use would be. I would assume there is a reason for not using synthetics, although I don't know what it is. I could order the strikemaster brand and also looked online and Solo puts out a 2 cycle oil as well. I may go that route if I cant find something better. I'm open to suggestions. I've never owned a power auger so I'm just trying to gain some knowledge.Thanks

[theoilman]

I have no idea why they say don't use synthetic. Many manufacturers (all kinds of engines and equipment) have said it for short times because they know nothing about them, then a year or two later start requiring the use of synthetics only - even with no changes in the machine.

I do know that there are hundreds, probably thousands of FMers using AMSOIL Saber Professional synthetic in their augers, and a good many are Strikemaster machines, and by the many posts through the last few years very happy with it.

[Gus]

If the manufacture says to not use synthetic, no matter what the reason, I would at least not use it until warranty expires. While I am a believer in synthetic and I love amsoil in my auger, my auger is also 13 years old now so not much of a warranty.

After the warranty expires do some more research and pick a product you trust be it synthetic or not. Maybe just call up strike master in big lake and ask them the reason. They have been very helpful to me in the past.

I run 80:1 Amsoil in all my 2cyl motors.

[splakeshaker]

Yea, I know it's popular. Just a bit concerned of what the manual said. I'll give strikemaster a call and see what they say. I'd hate to void the warranty because of it. Thanks oilman and Gus.

[RebelSS]

McGurk is pretty much right on it. Run heavy on the oil...let it idle for at least 15 minutes...slowly rev it up in rpms..but do not take her to WOT until you've run at least 3/4 tank through her. If you do this now, before it REALLY gets cold out, remember that heat is your biggest enemy. Let it cool down (shut off) between revving "cycles". When you feel it's broken in, and are runnung normal mix ratio, check you plug. She might be slightly fouled from the heavy mix. Just for the record, I used to race Yamaha Bikes and build engines. (Cars) Still doin' it 35 years later.

[splakeshaker]

Just got some info from the the Duluth board regarding the synthetic debate. I just did the copy and paste thing....here ya go. This came from the strikemasters techs.

"For the new StrikeMaster powerhead, Solo, it was first said not to run synthetics in the mix. But now after StrikeMaster's techs have spoken to Solo more about this, they said it is fine to either run regular or synthetic two stroke oil for the mix. But, not to exceed 50:1 for warranty purposes."

[Jim Hudson]

This is StrikeMaster's new release on this matter, after speaking to Solo more.

We have been working very hard the last two weeks regarding the syntheric oil question.After discussions with SOLO USA and some test. Solo’s position is that as long as a good quality two cycle oil (regular or synthetic) is used and the mixture ratio... is no higher than 50:1, the warranty remains intact.I hope this helps everyone and if you have specific questions please give us a call.StrikeMaster Service Department.