How Many Pulls...

[M1Tanker]

Does It Take To Start Your Gas Auger?

I just sold my Jiffy 3HP STX and replaced it with a StrikeMaster Mag 2000 8.25".

I think I got a 2007 model because the manual and catalog that came with it are from 07.

I mixed up the gas at 24:1 (per manual in box...I now know the recommend mix has been changed to 40:1). Gas is 87 Octane.

Right out of the box it took 15 pulls to start.

I have started it 10 other times and it takes 10-15 pulls to start it when cold. After warming it up for the 2 minutes and opening it up for a few seconds, I can shut it off and re-start with a quick pull.

Will it start quicker cold after a break-in out on the ice or should I expect it to be a hard starter?

A friend of mine who is a respected small engine guy told me that it will start like that because of the diaphragm carburetor.

I called StrikeMaster and their customer service told me it will start like that until it is broken in.

So...how many pulls does it take to start your gas auger?

Should I expect this one to be a hard starter or will it 'break-in?' Or...is there something I can do to get it to fire up within a couple of pulls?

[R_B]

My Shark takes 1 or 2 pulls. My buddy's StrikeMaster takes about 4-5 if you prime it good.

[croixflats]

My Nils 12 pulls out of the box then I turned it on now 1 or 2 pulls. All the excitement of a new Nills and I forgot to tun it it on

[Todd_J]

I run a Nils with Tanaka brand oil mix at about 90:1. It generally starts up cold on 1-3 pulls. (Bearing in mind that I prime it fully and have it 'on')

[hoggs222]

First time of the year after sitting all summer it took 5 pulls with a 10+ yr. old Strikemaster.

Usually a couple is all it needs to pop off.

[zamboni]

Must not be completely broken in yet. Don't lose your patience.

[dfv87]

Electric Baby! flip the switch and push the button! extra battery for punching a bunch!

[stumper]

My shark will start in 1 to 3 pulls. My Gator...Well it just works..

[Wyomingbob]

just bought a Strike Master 2000 2 weeks ago. put it together pushed the choke twice. started on the 2nd pull.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Hate to say it, I just put gas in my Nills, it hasnt had gas in it since last march... primed it... 3 pulls.

[epkirkman]

I have something dreadfully wrong with my strikemaster, it has taken that many pulls since I bought it. I have brought it into service shops twice and had it serviced and today I ended up only getting it to start after changing the plug twice.

I have been using my buddys 4 stroke strikemaster and that thing is incredible, first or second pull every time. I had to hand drill holes all day and then had my friends bring out my old Jiffy, it fired right up after about 4 pulls.

I think I just have a bad auger, it happens but I am ready to bury this one.

[jcb42]

I got a shark too, on 3rd year now and yes 1-3 pulls when primed and choked to start the day...

never had to break in.....50:1

[NCLaker]

Once it is broken in, switch to Amsoil Saber Pro 100:1. Starts much better and seems to run stronger. Added bonus is that it runs nearly smokeless.

[Jethro80]

I am thinking about running amsoil in the auger, it's a old school jiffy that calls for 24-1 mix. I'm thinking about running it at 32-1, anyone have any thoughts?

[hoggs222]

I run my old Strikemaster somewhere between 80-90:1 with Amsoil Saber Pro. No smoke and runs great. I also have to say that I have never had it in the shop for a tune up, never fire it up in the summer, no stabilizer, etc. I did have to fix the recoil one time, that's about it.

[BobT]

Press the primer about three times and it's usually started within two to three pulls.

Bob

[Esox_Magnum]

Just had the Nils fired up for the 2nd time since buying it, keep forgetting it has a primer so took 4 pulls. Started it brand new took 6 without priming.

[NCLaker]

I am thinking about running amsoil in the auger, it's a old school jiffy that calls for 24-1 mix. I'm thinking about running it at 32-1, anyone have any thoughts?

Strikemasters normally run 40:1, most people using Amsoil run it 100-80:1. My SM has been running great on 100:1, also ran an old 2hp Eskimo same ration.

Never ran a Jiffy, I'm sure their are some Jiffy owners out their that can chime in.

[dan z]

i have a 224 strikemaster starts in 2 to 4 pulls

[croixeyes]

I have a 14year old SM LZR,2 maybe 3 pulls.Love It

[LMITOUT]

Ten year old Jiffy 3HP here. One to three pulls on average on the first time out to the lake for the day. Fired on the second pull a few weeks ago after sitting since last February.

[Woody61]

Usually 4-5 pulls on a real cold morning for the first time.1 pull the rest of the day even if its sits a couple of hours.SM Mag2000

[Thunder]

I have a 2 year old Mag2000 - she's a little cold blooded. Probably takes 4-5 pulls cold. Once she gets going, it's a strong runner though. I run Amsoil at about 80:1. When I first tried to start her up this winter, it probably took 10-15 pulls...once I got the gas up into it, it ran really good. Smoked for a bit, but smoothed out quickly and ran good.

[Sandmannd]

Usually just a couple of pulls on my year old strikemaster.

[Stickjiggler]

I have a 25+ yr old jiffy. I prime it until gas drips from the bottom of the carb. usually starts on first pull. Never had to pull it more than 4 times. Amsoil works awesome. I use the same mix for leaf blower, weed eater, and auger.

Andy