Strikemaster Lazer problem...

[CALVINIST]

It had been in storage all year in the garage. When I started it up, the auger bit rotated without throttling up. It was pretty cold out for a few days so I took it inside, let it warm up for a few hours, and cranked it up again. The bit did not rotate without throttling up like before. Then I let it stay outside overnight, started it up, and once again the bit rotated without throttling up. Maybe the linkage is gummed up? Didn't do this last year at all.

Thanks for all replies

[FRESHWATER PETIE]

Maybe try adjusting the idle set screw. Mine needs adjusting once and a while.Did you put fresh gas in the tank? Some times if the gas/oil mixture is differant from last year it while idle to rich or to lean.Ajusting the idle set screw on the carb. should help.

[CALVINIST]

I put fresh gas in before cranking it it. I'll try the idle screw, thanks!

[BIG DS]

Is the engine running any faster when you start it up after sitting outside? If not, the clutch is just a little sticky. Try this but BE CAREFUL!!! If you have bench vise, clamp the auger in the vise, start the engine, hang onto the handles and rev up the engine slightly until you feel it start to pull. Hold it there for about a minute and release the throttle. If you do not have access to a bench vise, start the auger and place a board under the bottom of the auger. Put your foot against the bottom of the auger and step down on the flighting to hold the auger down. Then, rev up the engine slightly until you feel it pushing against your shoe. Hold the throttle there for about a minute. Either method should be enough to burn any grease that may have accumulated off the clutch pads or drum. If that does not help, the gear box will need to come apart and the clutch cleaned up that way.

[CALVINIST]

I'll give it a try, thanks.