New Auger - First Use Tips

[HammyDavisJr]

I kicked the wife out of the house earlier this week and sent her off the casino with some friends. She came back with $2k from penny/nickel slots.

She informed me today that we were driving to Cabela's and she was buying me a gas auger.

I'm a total weekend warrior when it comes to ice fishing, so I didn't need to break the bank. Ended up getting the Eskimo 8" Mako.

What do y'all suggest as far as fuel and oil for the maiden voyage? Anything special I should be aware of? Advice on care and feeding?

Thanks in advance! This place always has great advice and people willing to share their experiences and expertise. I really appreciate it.

[MN BassFisher]

Wow did that boot benefit you!! I just bought my first gas auger this year and like you, I went with the Mako 43cc. I like it a lot. You'll be happy. I was reading in the manual that to get the ratio of gas/oil they want for the auger, you add about 2.5 ounces (those small bottles are usually like 3.2 ounces) to 1 gallon of gas. One other thing I ran into was that I was priming the auger when the choke was on (I read it wrong), your suppose to prime the engine when the choke is off (where it reads RUN) and THEN flip to CHOKE. I noticed my air filter dripping a bit of gas and since I realized that little tip, it's been fine.

[OldBear]

I'd check with the owners manual and use whatever they suggest as long as its under warranty. After that I've had real good luck and been real happy with Amsoil Sabre Pro. Better starts, not much smoke and no dripping oil out of the muffler. I mix it at 80:1 ratio.

[uptracker]

Amsoil Sabre 100:1 used at 50:1 for the first gallon mixed. Then you can increase the oil ratio all the way up to 100:1 if you want...our do it in increments from 50:1 to 100:1

Sabre is like $4.50/8oz. at Napa stores. It'll last you a few years if you're just a weekend guy.

[uptracker]

One more tip:

Before you take it out on the ice, remove the air filter and squeeze it a bit in a couple paper towels. They ship them from the factory with excess air filter oil on them and after a few trips they start to leak a some. Then, you end up wondering what's leaking from your auger.

[TruthWalleyes]

Spinning knife your holding now...Don't cut your boots!

Also, If it is really cold the blades will tend to freeze up on you. To avoid this, I drill a hole as normal, and then within a few feet i will drill down 2" to clear the blades of any moist snow/slush that'll freeze. DOn't drill down any deeper than that as you might step into the hole you just made and Break an ankle.

[Ed Carlson]

All augers benefit from a break in period. And most take several seasons to do it as they actually do not run that long in one season.

Mix up the fuel/oil mix as instructed by the manufacturer in the manual.

Now add 1/2 tank of fuel to the auger and then remove the power head and set it on a pail filled to about 3/4 full of water...the water is for added stability.

Now start the motor and allow it to warm a bit...45 seconds to 1 minute should do it.

Then set it on the pail, and tape, zip-tie, or wire the throttle down wide open and allow it to run the fuel out.

Do this outside, and try not to drive the neighbors nuts in the process.

This will expedite the break in process and it will run better for it in the short term and more importantly in the long run.

[HammyDavisJr]

All augers benefit from a break in period. And most take several seasons to do it as they actually do not run that long in one season.

Mix up the fuel/oil mix as instructed by the manufacturer in the manual.

Now add 1/2 tank of fuel to the auger and then remove the power head and set it on a pail filled to about 3/4 full of water...the water is for added stability.

Now start the motor and allow it to warm a bit...45 seconds to 1 minute should do it.

Then set it on the pail, and tape, zip-tie, or wire the throttle down wide open and allow it to run the fuel out.

Do this outside, and try not to drive the neighbors nuts in the process.

This will expedite the break in process and it will run better for it in the short term and more importantly in the long run.

I live in St. Paul, and I have some neighbors who...shall we say...have zero concept of 'shared audible space'. This would be an excellent way for me to contribute to the delightful cacophony of blaring bass music and drunken yelling/screaming domestic bliss.

I could just sit on my stoop and rev the bloody hell out of this thing.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll give 'er the good news as per the manufacturers instructions.

[Hookey]

Safety First !

Make sure you take a wide stance and keep the toes away.

Make sure the muffler is facing away from your coat.

I 2nd the amsoil.

[HammyDavisJr]

Tried it out last night. Mixed up a batch of fuel per the instructions. 5 pulls later it was running in the garage.

We got it out on the ice, and drilled about 30 holes. Started on the first pull every time.

Noticed that the gas cap leaks a bit (I cranked it down super hard and made sure it was threaded properly), and the smaller air/intake screw on the gas cap has an ill-fitting o-ring. Any advice on troubleshooting this one?

[Ranckenstuff]

Own the same auger, experienced the same problem with leaky gas tank at first. What I did was tighten down the vent cap screw all the way.

(not caring about the rubber seal, because as you noted, it doesn't seal)

So far, an exceptional product for under $300. Running 40:1 leaf blower mix with no issues.

[mtbucket]

Does your wife have a like minded sister? I am happily married but my brother in law is looking.

[Acemac]

solve your gas tank problem by buying a few new caps every year...

[snoozebutton]

She came back with $2k from penny/nickel slots.

She informed me today that we were driving to Cabela's and she was buying me a gas auger.

My advice would be to hang on to her, she sounds like a keeper.