We all run into trying to get our gas ice auger started for the first time on the season.  Most of the time it works out great, some times not so much.  Let's look at the steps we should take when getting ready to start it for the first time of the season.

1. Dump out any old fuel.  Hopefully you did this at the end of last season, but if not go ahead and get rid of that old gas now.  Even if you put fuel stabilizer into the fuel it is likely not good at this point 6-9 months later.  Sure it could be fine, but do you really want to be cheap and save $1 in gas that could cause your $400 gas ice auger to not work?

2. Get fresh fuel from the gas station (87 octane is pefect, if you go with a higher octane it won't necessarily hurt it, but it won't help either).

3. After placing the gas in your approved container I always add Sea Foam or a similar fuel additive meant to stabilize the fuel and keep the carb clean.

4. Mix the gasoline with the appropriate amount of 2 cycle oil per your instruction manual.

5. Make sure your vent cap is open on the gas tank.

6.Check your spark plug to make sure it isn't all fouled up.  I suggest replacing every other year.  You can likely get by longer than that, but why chance it for a $3 part.  Some people suggest replacing every year.

7. Press the primer the specified amount of times for your auger and give it a pull.

What is your procedure to get your auger started for the first time of the winter?