Solo ice auger - I'm having trouble start.ing - Help

[793bob]

How are you finding to start your solo in the cold i have a 2 and a 2.5 horse that are terrible to start in 5 below weather. spark is strong but will not fire. i only prime until fuel goes back in the tank like instructions. I pull 20 times without a hint of firing .

[Eric_Kruger]

Mines a few seasons old, prime seven times, full choke, starts second pull and dies, flip off the choke and it will start and run first pull...not sure whats causing your issue, but I would stop somewhere and have it looked at.

[793bob]

I did a carb kit on the 2.5 didn't help .when it's warmer they start not too bad .once it gets colder might as well burn them.

[outkast7222]

My 2hp Solo has been a bear to start when it's cold too. Once it runs for a second restates are never a problem. Wish I still had the Mag 2000 around, 1 pull starts every time no matter the weather.

[gonehunting]

Do the sequence just as Krueger stated. In the manual it gives the step by step instructions. I have a Strikemaster Lazer Pro Solo 3hp. Best auger I have ever owned. Started with ease at -25 below on Lake Winnipeg. I have found that you must start as instructions say and it fires on 2-3 pulls every time. Good luck

[JeremyCampbell]

I baught a new solo and put 40:1 in it.Sometimes It takes 5-10 pulls to start.Should I add more oil?

[gonehunting]

Jeremy Your oil mix should be fine. I run 50:1 and many others run leaner with Amsoil after break in. Are you using the sequence described above to start. Sounds like you need to prime more but don't flood.

[Esox_Magnum]

Go 80:1 Amsoil Saber Pro will help alot...

[JeremyCampbell]

80:1 won't mess it up then? If that would help Il make a new batch then.

[gonehunting]

Just be careful because anything less than 50:1 can void warranty I believe.

[JeremyCampbell]

Yeah,I love this auger.Been A lot of fun not having to hand drill anymore with the old one.Just need to get my gas and oil formula perfected.

[Eric_Kruger]

I run mine 100:1 with amsoil saber.....not sure if that has anything to do with it but it purrs like a kitten!

[Vitreus]

40:1. Flip on, prime, choke, decompression valve, pull. I've never had an issue starting mine. Make sure you are pressing the decompression valve before each pull.

[LakeDocktor]

80:1 won't mess it up then? If that would help Il make a new batch then.

Don't go 80:1 unless you are using Amsoil Sabre Pro!

[AlligatorDundee]

If there is gas in the bulb

do not prime.

They flood easy.

I prime one time a season.

I fish everyday.

[793bob]

I used to have a 3hp it started great then it blew up.i try starting like the instructions when it's warmer out it starts in about 10 pulls ,colder forget it.i thought with system you can prime as many times as you want and it will not flood.

[CrewJones]

mine works fine I run the strike master oil at 40:1 I would bring it to someone who knows what there doing something seems wrong, or it might be operator error. Used the decompression button every time

[holmsvc]

Mine has gotten better after I started running seafoam in each tank.

[HardwaterHero]

I have the 3 hp and run it at 80:1 as well. used it last yer in -25 below air temp and fired after 4 pulls. But like they say, use the amsoil. This should fix your issue. If not, then have it looked at right away.

On a tangent, does anyone have a fix if their tank leaks around the seal. I have gotten the replacement from Strikemaster and it still leaks around the grommet. Any quick fix to it?

[Vitreus]

I have the 3 hp and run it at 80:1 as well. used it last yer in -25 below air temp and fired after 4 pulls. But like they say, use the amsoil. This should fix your issue. If not, then have it looked at right away.

On a tangent, does anyone have a fix if their tank leaks around the seal. I have gotten the replacement from Strikemaster and it still leaks around the grommet. Any quick fix to it?

I have this issue as well. Haven't addressed it yet since it's not very heavy leak. May need to be a custom fix. Did you just replace the grommet? I'm thinking of replacing all the fuel line components there.

[Kyle]

Mine is 3 years old. I have the 3HP pro lazer. I've been using the little 1gallon pre-measured jiffy or strikemaster brand oil containers. They already have a fuel stabilizer in the container. I only use 91 octane non-oxygenated gas. With this combo, I have never had a problem starting it even in 20 below weather. 2 pulls choked, shut off choke, 1 pull and it starts every time. make sure to push the blue button between each pull.

Non-oxygenated gas is key. You should NOT have to use a different oil ratio.

[CaptainMusky]

If it leaks from that grommet one of two things is going on. 1) the gas lines are cracked 2) the grommet isnt seated properly.

I had both of those issues and fixed them both and now no leaky.

The other thing is this is a pressurized tank of sorts with the second gas line being the vent. Make sure you loosen the cap a little during storage because pressure builds up in there and that will surely find any weakness in the overall system.

Regarding the starting issues, there is a definite technigue to starting these. They flood EASY. I usually start priming it 3 times give it a few pulls and it fires right up. If it fires turn the lever from "Start" to "run".

I tried starting mine this Fall and couldnt get it to start, flooded it big time. 90% of the time it starts perfect, but if you are too agressive with the priming you WILL have issues and YES you most certainly can prime too much. Its filling the carb with gas on every pump. Fill your mouth full of beer, then try taking another gulp, doesnt work so well.

[Vitreus]

If it leaks from that grommet one of two things is going on. 1) the gas lines are cracked 2) the grommet isnt seated properly.

I had both of those issues and fixed them both and now no leaky.

The other thing is this is a pressurized tank of sorts with the second gas line being the vent. Make sure you loosen the cap a little during storage because pressure builds up in there and that will surely find any weakness in the overall system.

Regarding the starting issues, there is a definite technigue to starting these. They flood EASY. I usually start priming it 3 times give it a few pulls and it fires right up. If it fires turn the lever from "Start" to "run".

I tried starting mine this Fall and couldnt get it to start, flooded it big time. 90% of the time it starts perfect, but if you are too agressive with the priming you WILL have issues and YES you most certainly can prime too much. Its filling the carb with gas on every pump. Fill your mouth full of beer, then try taking another gulp, doesnt work so well.

Did you get the parts from strikemaster? I need to take care of this.

Also, on a more relevant note to the original post: you may want to try 40:1 Trufuel. It's premixed, slightly more expensive than at the pump, but my solo runs like a dream with the stuff. It's also easier to tote around than a big leaky gas tank. Learned about it on this forum and glad I did. I don't go through very much 2 stroke fuel, so the price is a small sacrifice for the portability increase.

[CaptainMusky]

I only replaced the fuel lines. Picked up 3 feet of clear line from a local hardware store. Brought with a piece from the auger to make sure I got the right size. It will be much easier to replace the lines if you bring it indoors so the parts can warm up.

[Luke_M]

Back to the original issue. You may need to get the carb adjusted. It may be a trial and error process getting the carb setting right to start and run well at -20 and 20 but it can be done. I also have a question regarding why anyone would run a different fuel mix than is recommended by the manufacture. If you have ever taken apart 2 strokes it doesn't matter if its running at 24:1 or 50:1 they are both clean (very little carbon). Where the cylinders, rings, crankcase, get gummed up if from bad fuel.