Jiffy: question on power / break-in

[Matt D]

I've got a new Jiffy 8" Legend (3 hp) that's only drilled about two dozen holes. I've noticed it seems to be lacking in power compared to my dad's older 3-horse. Is this a matter of it being new and still being broken in? I'd thought of tweeking with the carb a bit, but want to get some input before making any adjustments. Anybody else notice this with a new drill?

[This message has been edited by Matt D (edited 01-03-2002).]

[TUMBLEWEED]

Can't answer that one,but I ran into a problem with an Strikemaster XL. I got a good deal on one late last season. I went ahead
and used twice the oil mix as it spelled out
in the manual. Well, I didn't end up drilling too many holes with it last year,and since
I had used a really good oil and fuel stabilizers,I didn't dump the tank and run the thing dry.....Huge mistake!! The double
mixture crud, fouled up the carb something terrible. Its early yet,so you will probably go through all of the break-in gas in yours.
However, anyone who gets one late in the season.. SHOULD GET RID OF THE DOUBLE MIX
BEFORE STORING FOR THE SEASON!! Note, If you are using the break-in mix,you may have fouled a plug???

[Timber33]

Regarding your 3hp TECUMSEH engine, it is the EPA that is causing your problem. Not Jiffy or the refered Strikemaster auger. Check you carberator. If it has to silver caps, contact Techumseh for a new carberator. You want an adjustable. Unlike your Dad's that has a full ranging adjustment, the new carb's have only a 90 degree adjustment. If you unit still runs slow, call Jiffy. They can help you out over the phone.

[Bob_D]

Matt,

Don't tweak anthing for a little while. A new motor need some break in time before you get full power out of the auger. Give it a few hundred holes before playing with it too much. That way you anly need to adjust it once. As Timber stated the new EPA regs really limit what can be done on them.

[Ed Carlson]

Allow it more warm up time, check the plug to be sure it has not oil fowled and if it looks suspect replace it. It will break in on it's own in a short time.

Warm up time is often the biggest deal with the new carbs. Let the engine block and carburetor warm at an idle for 30 seconds to a full minute in deep cold, shut off the choke, and they run as well as the older units.

[LEECH21]

I have a 3 hp ,10" Jiffy that is probably 4 years old or so. I have a problem with the thing running for a few seconds and then dieing on me. I'll start it up..and then it will die. OVER AND OVER! Each time I start it up it runs for a few seconds longer. Then when I start to drill, I'll get an inch and then it will die. It keeps doing this over and over. It gets really frustrating. I've never "tweeked" anything or changed the spark plugs. I'm not to great when it comes to engine work. I've put stabill in the gas for storage over the summers. What can I do...please help!

[JIGLFIN]

Leech;

Sounds like the auger has a lean condition.

Try running with the choke in the middle detent

during warm up, even into the first hole, until

you see excessive smoking, than open the choke

fully.

If this improves the condition, you may need a

carb. adjustment.

Good Luck;

JIGLFIN

[Knotwood]

Empty out the old gas, put fresh gas/mix in, and let it warm up good before drilling. If it takes over a minute to warm up, try turning the high speed needle (low speed is ALWAYS the jet closest to the engine, high speed is furthest away) out (counter-clockwise) about 1/8 turn and see if it helps. It may need more, or it may be clogged inside the carb or have a pinched fuel hose or dirty fuel filter. Make sure your vent is working, too. If it still won't run right, take it in to a dealer, you don't want to burn it up due to running it too lean. I've seen exhaust screens clog up, which makes engines run weird, but don't think augers normally have them, unless it's a new regulation.

[captainshane]

MATT, A FRIEND OF MINE BOUGHT A NEW MODEL 30 LAST YEAR. IT WOULD TAKE 10-15 PULLS TO START IT. WHEN IT STARTED IT RAN OK. HE TOOK IT IN FOR WARRANTY WORK RECENTLY AND FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD THE WRONG SPARK PLUG FROM THE FACTORY. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE FIRST 20 HOURS OF RUN TIME YOU SHOUDN'T PUSH DOWN ON THE AUGER WHILE DRILLING, LET THE AUGER DO THE WORK.

[LEECH21]

So this needle thing is pretty easy to find? The spark plugs probably aren't the problem then?

[Bob_D]

I seem to remember some of the tecumseh motors having trouble with the gas caps not venting properly. Try loosening the cap when running the auger as a test. I believe Jiffy was replacing them for free (Maybe it was Strikemaster?), so I'd give the factory a call if that is the problem.

[LEECH21]

Thanks fellas for the replies. I'm going to try messing around with some of the things today. I'll let you know if I find the solution.

[Ed Carlson]

I agree start simple and check to see if the tank is venting properly.

Loosen the cap and open the vent, then see if it warms up and throttles up to full power.

If it still bogs down after a warm up period, it may be a boggered up jet. Then I would try dumping all the fuel and add a good shot of Sea-Foam into the tank. Prime up the system with a few pulls and let it sit over night in a standing position. Now drain all the Sea-Foam out, start with a fresh mix of 24/1 and an ounce or two of Sea-Foam, and see if it pops at full power after a warm up period.

You can test caps by finding a jug with like threads and screw on the gas cap. Then open the vent and see if the cap breaths as you squeeze the jug and allow the jug to breathe in air. I have found caps that for some odd reason work as a one way valve and vent out, and resist breathing in. If you do not mind a little gas taste, you can also do this with your mouth...YUK. But it is a fast test to see if it operates properly.