Strikemaster Solo Idling Problem

[gonehunting]

I have a Strikemaster Lazer Pro with the 3 hp Solo motor. I have been nothing but impressed with this auger. Today was the first time that I have ever had an issue. It started great as always. However after drilling a few holes it would not idle all that great and would kill. Any other time it has purred like a jet engine and not shut off. After it would die it took some throttle feather to start it. Does it sound like it may be getting too much fuel. Choke was off. Can a person mess with the idling screw or should I take it to an authorized dealer. I drain the fuel at the end of the winter, store in an canvas auger bag, and run Amsoil Saber 50:1 with premium fuel. Any help would be appreciated. Started up fine in the garage again tonight and idled fine for about 30 seconds and then had same problem.

[Walleyehooker]

Hows the plug? Could need a carb cleaning or could have a little condensation in it freezeing up. Sometimes just bringing it in and letting it warm overnight and dry out will do the trick.

[gonehunting]

Checked plug and it looks good. I pulled the air filter out and noticed that 4-5 of the paper fins on the filter have some mixed gas on them. Could it be that it was overprimed. Brought auger in to warm up and left filter out to dry. Will see what happens tomorrow. Any other ideas?

[fisherman-andy]

Check the fuel lines for damage and leaks.

[benbosh]

Checked plug and it looks good. I pulled the air filter out and noticed that 4-5 of the paper fins on the filter have some mixed gas on them. Could it be that it was overprimed. Brought auger in to warm up and left filter out to dry. Will see what happens tomorrow. Any other ideas?

Sounds like its getting too much gas if the filter is getting gas on it. Probably need a new inlet needle/carb rebuild kit

[gonehunting]

Just to give you an update. I just returned from the repair shop with a $70.00 repair bill for a carb rebuild. It was actually cheaper to buy the whole carb but Strikemaster mailed the wrong carb so they charged me the same to just put in a rebuild kit. I asked what was wrong and they said that my carb diaphragm looked like it had been dry. What? The solo manual says a person can dry store the carb - meaning draining the gas and running it until it dies. My mechanic told me that was probably the issue. I then went to the Strikemaster HSOforum and they state that dry storing is an option but may effect the carb components. Manual says one thing/HSOforum says another. So in less than two years I have $70.00 into a $500 auger. I love this auger and the way it cuts but hope to have no more issues. I am religious when it comes to the maintenance of my small engines. For those interested I use 91 octane gas, Amsoil Sabre oil 50:1, and Briggs and Stratton fuel stabilizer. Hoping my Solo 2 year warranty will help me out but will have to see what Strikemaster says. Seems to run good but will find out on the lake tomorrow.