Auger won't start

[island guy]

All right, where should I start? My OLD auger ran fine when I put it away last winter. Started it once over the summer. I pulled on that sucker a hundred times today. Not even a fire. Should I drain the old gas? Replace spark plug? Can a person spray some starting fluid in the cylinder with out harming anything? I don't even know if it's getting a spark.

Any helpful hints other than buying a new one which I can't. This one has been very trusty over the years.

Thanks!

[Northlander]

I would start with a new plug and gas and go from there.Always use stabil when storing over the summer.

[eurolarva]

No on the starting fluid. No oil in the starting oil will cause the cylinder to burn out. Use premix gas. Maybe soak a cotton ball with it and drip some into the cylinder and crank with choke closed. I had a time starting mine till I realized the switch was off. Sure felt stupid. If still no fire take spark plug out and find a good metal ground to tie the plug threads to and while it is connected to the wire pull the starter. (best to do in a dark room) and look for a good blue spark. Chances are your carb is plugged and will need to be at least cleaned and better yet cleaned and rebuilt.

[TTfromBlaine]

I would operate your on / off switch several times also. I noticed my strike master didnt shut off right when I hit the off switch, but I cycled it several times and is now good to go

[river-rat4]

island guy,

Try these things, not in any particular order-

Fuel line may be brittle/cracked... allowing air in vs fuel/air mixture...

Wires, are they worn/bad (insulation gone in places), continuity?

Plugs fouled, black and wet? How is the gap?

Stale gas will varnish all componants like needle valves, floats, and not have the "flamability" of fresh gas...

Starting fluid (most, check label to be sure) have an "upper cylinder lubricant" to help reduce damage.

I believe in starting fluid to get things flowing, but be wise while doing so.

Lubrication in the cylinders is key....

Good fishing...river-rat4...

[cliffy]

I feel your pain....I was in your shoes just the other day. See my post in the ice fishing forum. All mine needed was a new spark plug and a cleaning and she was good to go.

Good luck.

Cliffy

[john.wells]

Quote:

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Can a person spray some starting fluid in the cylinder with out harming anything?

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You can shoot WD40 into the throat-it has a nice explosive property to it plus adds lubrication

[Surface Tension]

Fuel, spark and compression is what you need. The above suggestions are good.

Sometimes when these 2 strokes sit they need a little extra gas to get the diaphrams wet and pumping again. That and the cylinder walls can be dry. Use mixed gas and prime through the plug hole or squirt into the carb. You might have to repeat this for some time for things to start working.

Now if you prime and still no go you most likely have no spark. Either the plug is wet or just bad, replace the spark plug and give it a go. If you can get the auger to run but not stay running after repeated attempts by priming then you have a fuel problem. Inspect the fuel line and then a carb cleaning and rebuild.

[Guest]

I would start by draining the old gas and changing the plug... take the auger inside the house for a couple hours(warm it up).. take it back outside and put some gas in it and try to fire it up. It might not be a bad idea to take the air cleaner off and look to be sure the choke butterfly is working properly(its not going to start if the butterfly isnt closing).

Its easier to start a 70 degree engine than it is a 5 degree engine. Who knows, your old gas could be frozen somewhere if it had any moisture!

If it does fire with the fresh gas and plug, your troubles will likely be over... if it doesnt, your carb is probably gummed up from the old fuel.

[BIG DS]

Is this a 3hp or 2hp auger? If it is a 3, it is probably just a stuck needle valve. If it is the 2hp, it will probably need the carb taken off, cleaned, and a new kit put in it.

[island guy]

Yippee! New gas, new plug, warmer weather and it started right up!

Thanks guys!