3hp jify model 30

[Buck_Hunter04]

I've got a 3hp tecumseh engine on my model 30. Normally I have to run it on 1/2 choke to keep it running. It hasn't ran right from the beginning. mainly depends on the temperature outside. When its below 20 degrees its a bear to keep running. Mainly bogs down while drilling a hole. Ive been messing with the hi and low settings and it will seem to work but when I come back to it after it has cooled down its messed up again. Any help would be great. maybe I'm just not patient enough to work on this auger.

[Jim Almquist]

It has been a while since I owned my Jiffy but I always adjusted it while out on in the cold temps on the lake. My guess is you have a yellow motor and not the white. I have heard that they are harder to adjust because of pollution junk.

[hydro]

If that is the older white Jiffy motor, it is very easy to tune and about a reliable as you can get. From your comment, since you have to run at ½ choke, that tells me that the high speed fuel circuit is not working right. It is either plugged or out of adjustment. Your comment “I’ve been messing with the high and low settings” tells me to start with readjusting to see if the problem can be easily fixed. As you look at the carb, the low speed adjustment is on the left, high speed is on the right.

First, drain out all old gas and replace with fresh mix. Carefully remove the low speed screw and look for any dirt on the taper. Screw it back into place and gently seat it, back off ½ turn and repeat 3 times, then turn it to gently seat closed. Repeat this with the high speed jet. This process should loosen any gunk that may be on the adjustment seats.

Next, back the low speed adjustment out 1 ¼ turns, and the high speed adjustment out ¾ turn. Start the engine and let it warm up. Once warm it should run with the choke off. If yes, you can adjust it, if no the carb needs internal cleaning.

The low speed adjustment is first. Without touching the throttle, turn the screw SLOWLY clockwise (about 1/8 turn at a time) until the engine starts to miss (lean), then back it out slowly until it starts to miss again (rich). Halfway between those two settings is where you want to set the adjustment. Once it is idling, set the idle speed adjustment screw on top of the carb so that the engine is idling smoothly but the clutch has not yet engaged.

The high speed adjustment comes last. Have a buddy hold the auger and open up the throttle. Repeat the procedure from the low speed jet to find the center of adjustment, but this time, set it about 2/3 counterclockwise of the lean miss. In your warm garage this setting will be a little rich and may even have a little "rich stutter" but under load on a cold day it will be just right. As the weather gets colder this will allow the engine to run better.

Last, go out and drill a few holes to test your work.