2005 2hp Tecumseh Starting Problem

[Snow Fish]

I recently bought a Strikemaster Mag 2000 with the New 2hp Tecumseh Engine (Compression Release) and it seems to be very cold blooded. I put it on Full Choke and pull sometimes 4-5 and even more times until it runs and kills. Then I back the Choke off completely and pull a couple more times until it is running. Sometimes I have to apply half choke until it will run for good. Once it is running it stays running and operates smoothly. But when I go to start it to drill the next set of holes I have to go through the entire starting sequence again. I was wondering if this is typical for this new engine? I know several people with the previous 2 hp Tecumseh on Strikemaster and Jiffy augers and all they have to do is choke the engine and in 1-3 pulls it is running, then they just slowly back off the choke until it is warmed up.

[Tripleplay]

I posted in January about a similar situation with my new 2HP Strikemaster. Got a number of good recommendations since I may have been backing off of the choke a little too early as I thought I was flooding it. I have to say it started a bit slow the last time out right away in the morning but at the second spot it popped in two pulls.

I think I'm getting better at it and most importantly it is also breaking in a bit more.

[Wishin2BFishin]

I have an old Jiffy model 30 that has a Tecumseh 3hp. Mine has a primer bulb and a choke. When it's cold I put the choke on full and tip the auger so the carb is up, then push the primer bulb at least four times then try to start it. Even when it does start I sometimes have to push the primer bulb to keep it running. Two cycle engines in the cold weather need lots of fuel to get started and you should run the engine at an idle till it warms up before drilling any holes. I let mine run for at least three minutes and leave the choke on half way for the first hole till it will run with the choke off. Are you using regular 87 octane fuel? I always use the best gas I can get for mine. I use a one gallon fuel container to make up the oil/gas mix and also add about a third of a container of Dry Gas (methanol alcohol) in to boost things up. I also bring an extra spark plug & wrench and some starting fluid in case I have troubles. A little tip for a fouled spark plug is take the plug out and put just a little starting fluid on the electrode then take a lighter and light it up holding it out of the wind. This will usualy burn up the gas/oil and make the plug work again.

I hope these tips help...

[New Yankee]

Wish - Great tip on the cleaning fouled plugs - I've used a lighter before but the fluid trick will no doubt work much better outside.