13 year old Strikemaster lazer mag

[Mnfisher]

I have one of these. It has been a great running machine, a little hard starting last season. Should have had it checked. Wouldn't start the other day so brought it in. The mechanic cleaned the carb and it started at the shop but wouldn't start this morning. He said it will need a diaphragm kit. Should I spend the money on trying to get it to run good again or is it just getting too old and maybe I should get a new one? Is 13 years considered old for one of these machines? I'm not one to upgrade unnecessarily but maybe it's time. Thanks!

[Bryce]

Have one that must be pushing 20 years. Had it tuned up several years ago when it was running poorly. Started on fourth pull this year. Hard to justify a new one when I maybe have $75 into maintaining this one. Inherited my fathers that is a few years newer. Probably hasn't drilled but 100 holes. Good backup.

[hoggs222]

I've got one that's probably 20 years old. Runs like a champ. I did just break the plastic piece that holds the throttle on. Any clue where to find one? I looked on SM's site and they didn't have older parts listed.

[fsnrod]

I've got one that's probably 20 years old. Runs like a champ. I did just break the plastic piece that holds the throttle on. Any clue where to find one? I looked on SM's site and they didn't have older parts listed.

D-Rock in New Brighton.

[Brad B]

I was running a 1991 Mag III Plus up to this year and now have given it to my nephew. he will be running it this year. 22 years old and still running strong. only had it tuned up once in that time. if your's is in over all decent shape then spend the money for the repair.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I had the diaphragm go bad in my lazer mag last year. It's about the same age as yours. Parts for under $20 and about an hour of time and it ran like new.

[Mnfisher]

Thnks...got it started. Sure would like one of those new Jiffy propanes, but am fine with spending a bit to keep my Strikemaster going a few more years.

[Esox_Magnum]

I agree get the carb rebuilt and while its in the shop new fuel lines and you should be good for another 15 years....Carb kits are cheap and simple DIY project as are the gas lines if your handy....But the shop rout does have the advantage of if they screw it up they fix it, and they will also help with adjustments after the fix if needed...

[Luke_M]

Pull off the muffler and see how the cylinder looks if it looks good odds are a carb kit or at worst a new adjustable carb should get you going for another 15-20 years.

[Rivernut]

Mine is about 20 years old. Had the diaphram replaced. Runs like a champ.

[Genofish]

Clean the carb, new plug and replacing the diaphram and gas line, should have it running like new

[Rooster7]

I'd fix it and run it. I have one around the same age. Seafoam and Stabil in the gas tank are your friends.

I did get my auger stuck up at Upper Red one time. The head was just about at ice level and when I tried to back it out, it twisted the power head right off the gear box. Had to back my auger out with a big screw driver. L&M Fleet fixed it up for under $50 bucks.

[Mnfisher]

I'll definitely go with the diaphragm kit and new fuel lines. It has been a faithful machine to me and happy to hear that I can get a few more years out of it. Thanks.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Mines a smidge older than yours. I had to do some carb cleaning and new fuel line this year also. These augers are tried and true. Put in a diaphragm and go drill holes.

[Down Deep]

I've got a LazerMag that has to be pushing 20. Drilled a thousand holes. Every few years I have one of our mechanics at work tune it up. Most of the time it just needs the carb cleaned and reset. I put about $100 in it for a new carb and muffler about 10 years ago. If you don't want to fix your auger I'll give you $50 bucks for it.