Mag 2000 quicker starting suggestions?

[mr_jman]

I have a Mag 2000 probably a 2007 or 08 model. It runs great but it always takes about 10 pulls or so the first time I start it for the day. It usually goes on only 2 or 3 after that, but I was wondering if it should be starting sooner or if I should be doing something different.

I use the little Strikemaster oil bottles, and usually just have the 87 octane gas with a little seafoam mixed. I give it a full choke for about 2 pulls than open it all the way up to start it. I may give it a little gas as well. If it doesnt start then I choke again and repeat.

Is it common for them to take a little while to start or should it be firing up sooner? Does it have something to do with the cold? If I keep it inside the house overnight where its warm it usually starts a little better then when I leave it in the truck or in the shed. (just some thoughts)

[dairyman]

the mechanics I've talked to recommend burning premium fuel in the auger mix----thats what I use in mine ---I store my auger in my heated shop too. I always prestart my auger before I head out for the lake too.

[brianh]

Full choke 'til it fires.

[shnelson]

I'd switch the gas to premium. How many times do you prime it prior to starting?

Check the plug condition also. 10 pulls isn't too bad for the first start of the day but it can definitely be improved upon (I've been able to hit it 2nd or 3rd pull usually, 4 or 5 if its really cold).

[fishnowworknever]

Full choke, no gas until it starts. Then open up the choke. Have you checked your plugs lately?

That Strikemaster oil you are putting in there, what is the fuel mix ratio?

I would look into the full synthetic oil Amsoil Sabre. Takes me 2-3 pulls every time now, same make and model as you.

[mr_jman]

Well thanks for the suggestions so far. The mix ratio I believe is 40:1 with the Strikemaster oil, when mixed with 1 gallon of gas. There is no primer button on this model I usually would just give a few pulls on the throttle (not even sure if that really does anything, but I do it when it isn't starting).

[fishwater]

Did you get this auger new? If so, have you ever broke it in good? My 05 2hp Tecumseh never wanted to start good until I ran it for an extended period revving it hot. I think I switched to Amsoil and ran it for about an hour; now it always starts on the second pull. I can usually get it to go with one pull if I flip the choke off quick.

[DeeJ]

I bought an older auger than you own (Way older) last season.

It starts without fail in 1-2 pulls assuming I remember to open the gas cap and choke it.

My "Secrets" (And recommendations): As already stated, #1 PREMIUM gas, highest octane you can find. #2 Amsoil Sabre (I run about 80:1 just for peace of mind, a guy could surely run it closer to the 100:1 they claim). I think this will help ya after you run a half tank of gas thru it, maybe less.

Also, nothing against sea foam as a product and at the end of the year but during the season you might not need much or any. Just mix less gas and keep your gas fresher, store your auger indoors or in a heated space if you can. It can't be HELPING your spark.

Again, as already stated: Wouldn't hurt to check your plug either - If it's even worn why not change it for $3 and save your time and energy? Heck, buy a new one for next season too.

Good luck, I hate auger trouble.

[mr_jman]

Thanks, I actually bought it from a Pawn America. It was $300 but they eventually had a 25% off storewide and I happened to walk in the first day of the sale and I had been eyeing that auger up all summer and the sale was around November... The auger is basically like new. Blade was super sharp for $225 I was very pleased!

No idea if it was broke in, probably not though. I've nearly burned an entire tank in a day drilling holes though but I will definately go with a premium gas and I know that a lot of people suggest the Amsoil so I may just have to pick some up as well!

A new plug is cheap and that wouldn't hurt either!

[TimR]

I have the same auger as you, same general vintage.

It is slow to start - 10 pulls is about right the first year or two. Now, after a few years of use, it is getting better.

Full choke choke until it pops, half choke to restart, and let it warm a bit.

Tim

[McGurk]

Wow. I bought a new-looking '06 Mag2000 (like new with unmixed gas in it...oops!) from a local pawn shop for $150. Store owner said he put the gas in so it couldn't have been run too long w/o mixed gas. All I know is that I haven't had any issues with it for the last 3 years, and frankly I've found that it starts better than most of the guys I fish, running Amsoil Sabre Pro at 80-1 in it.

As far as starting goes, I don't think it's that bad to have to pull up to 10 times from a cold start on any engine that doesn't have a primer bulb. I go full choke until it fires, and then switch to 1/2 immediately, even if it stalls and you need to give it 1 more pull. Let it sit a 15 seconds and then open that choke up and let it sit another minute. Usually it's 1-2 pulls w/ open choke for a warm start.

Get some prem, non-oxygenated (NO ethanol) gas and some Amsoil Sabre Pro mixed lean (80-1 for me). Run a 1/2 tank through at home and you'll be suprised at how well it idles and runs smoke free, no Seafoam needed.

[Harbi]

Same here. Mag 2000, 2008 model. About 6-10 pulls to start it cold. Sounds pretty normal for this auger. It always starts and runs well.

[hamms-scooter]

I know the 07 and newer sm augers had the carb settings changed for emmisions. My brother inlaw could never keep his going. They turned the idle screw up (which i dont recommend) and now it starts good and runs but the auger spins when its warmed up with no gas. I have an 05 or 06 and it will run all day long without fail. I think the carb might be it and a call in to sm might help you find what to change on carb.

[Esox_Magnum]

Mine was a pain to untill I replaced the carb, steady diet of 80-1 and she purrs now, sold it to a buddy after replacing the carb and he's not had a problem.

[hamms-scooter]

What did you get for it? Just the earlier years carb? Was it an 07 or newer esox? Hey thanks for the advice on the QF3 but deal fell through.

[Phred52]

mr_jman, Get a hold of some Amsoil Sabre Professional, switch to Non-oxy Premium and I'll bet that first start of the day will be no more than 4 pulls (most likely 1 or 2)! Yes, It does make that much difference. Try it...If you don't like it and agree...switch back. After summer storage, my Z-51 Shark took 2 pulls, Amsoil and Non-Oxy premium. Phred52

[Esox_Magnum]

Not sure, after 2 rebuilds in a month, I got mad and ordered a new carb from D Rock.

[mr_jman]

Thanks for the input. Once it starts it doesn't quit or die in the hole and actually runs very well and is very reliable. It's just on the start but sounds like I'm not the only one! I will get some higher quality gas and Amsoil. I'll keep the choke full till she starts up and then she'll run all day long!

[jwhjr]

One thing that has worked for me is to give the rope a couple of slow pulls before the quick pull to start. It usually fires in 1-2 pulls from a cold start when I do that.

[hamms-scooter]

  mr_jman said:

Thanks for the input. Once it starts it doesn't quit or die in the hole and actually runs very well and is very reliable. It's just on the start but sounds like I'm not the only one! I will get some higher quality gas and Amsoil. I'll keep the choke full till she starts up and then she'll run all day long!

Once you get this solved you will be happy with it. I have the mag 2000 and I love it. Very reliable! And cuts great with my 6" lazer or the chipper either way! Its no nils, but its perfect for me till i get one down the road. I picked up some amsoil cant wait to run it. Going to run 80:1. The only thing about this auger i hate is the composite handles! I would trade it now for the one with the metal handles and foam covering them !

[bassislife]

I run sea foam and premium gas in all my 2-stoke motors all year. Never have any problems with the carbs.

[wildmanp]

Full choke with the throttle pressed all the way down, then releasing the throttle and adjusting the choke half way to warm up. This is what a small engine repair guy taught me. My mag 2000 cold starts in 3-4 pulls with this technique. I'm a righty, so I hold the throttle with my right and pull with my left. Akward at first but got used to it. I've used this technique also on the lazer mags too.

[hamms-scooter]

Amsoil sabre and unoxygenated premium and you will be happy!What a difference!

[BLACKJACK]

My Strikemaster Laser Mag is about 8-9 years old and starts on the third pull - every time!!! Even when cold in the back of the truck. There is something wrong with an engine that takes 10 pulls to start. As others have said the key is to choke until it fires and use premium gas. I also add Stabilizer to the gas when I get it, lots cheaper than paying a small engine shop $50 an hour to fix it. I also make sure to run it empty at the end of the season.

[Zoob]

What's with the heavy Amsoil pitching on the forums?

Choke it full, hold the throttle down full as you pull. Once it starts, let up on the throttle and ease up on the choke to half or so as it warms up. Once it's warm, put the choke to off and cut away.

If it takes 10 pulls, maybe you're not priming it enough or holding the throttle with max choke - so you're warming the engine up enough by simply pull-firing until it'll run itself.

Try full-throttle, full-choke pulls - with priming it enough so that you don't see air in the prime-line (or prime the bulb to where you feel solid fuel in it for a coupla pumps).

It should pop off in 1-4 pulls then.

[fishwater]

  Zoob said:

What's with the heavy Amsoil pitching on the forums?

It's a quality product that has proven itself to many of us on the forum. I didn't like my auger to be bleeding oil out of the exhaust - using Amsoil fixed that for me..!