Strikemaster Lazer Mag Express Problem

[iland99]

Yesterday I went to use my Lazer Mag Express for the second time ever (bought it new in November). When I tried to start it, gas sprayed out of the yellow compression release valve, every time I pulled the rope gas sprayed out, like it was super flooded. It was spraying the gas onto the spark plug which made me nervous. I let the gas evaporate and tried it again. It would still spray gas but not very much this time (it was not choked). By now my clothes are covered with gas and I’m not feeling too good about spending $360 on an auger I can’t use. It finally did start and ran pretty rough, which I expected since it wasn’t warmed up yet – I had to tap the throttle once in a while or it would die. I drilled four holes with it after letting it idle (7.5+” of ice up here in the Bemidji area by the way!!) and shut it off. I started it up and let it idle for 5-10 minutes right before I left and it started fine, no gas spraying or anything.

I’m no expert, but here are a couple of guesses on my part. I know it says on the auger not to tip it on the gas tank. I store the auger in the spare bedroom tipped on the handle with the gas cap toward the top (so it doesn’t leak gas on my wife’s new carpet). Is this what it means when it says not to tip it on the gas tank? If so, how are you supposed to transport this thing in a pickup if you can’t lay it on its side? Is it possible that it somehow was switched “on” and sat for a couple weeks in the “on” position – could that cause a problem like this? I’ve now got it stored sitting upright in a corner to see if that has anything to do with it.

This thing cuts awesome and I hope that I won’t be without my auger for very long, if at all. Maybe it just isn’t broken in yet? I can’t imagine this being a common problem with the reputation that Strikemaster has. I emailed Strikemaster and they replied within an hour to call them, but I haven't been home yet and don't like to call long distance from work. Just thought I'd see if anyone has ever had this happen.

[walleye_jigger]

should've bought a jiffy!!

[iland99]

Get back to work!! (walleye_jigger has a strikemaster too by the way)

[Northlander]

Could it be a acumulation of pressure because it was left in a warm house for a extended period between uses? Try opening the gas cap and releasing all the pressure. Did you have the air intake on the top of the gas cap loosened up when you tried to start it? I wouldnt recomend putting a auger in your house. Especially on the wifes new carpet!

[frozen toes]

I also had a problem with my Strikemaster. Right out of the box, it sprayed gas out of the air filter and all over everything. I called them up right away and they knew the problem right away. They had a batch of faulty choke levers that are attached to the tank. They sent a new one out right away and I fixed it myself. One thing about Strikemaster, they have the best customer service that I have ever dealt with. Give them a call, the will treat you right.