Jiffy Model 30 question...

[MikeF-NH]

I have a Jiffy Model 30 that I bought used and has worked perfectly for 2-3 years now. However, last time out, after cutting several holes, it began stalling on each new hole after cutting several inches of ice. I would pull the auger out of the hole, prime once and it would start right up and work for the next hole for several inches until it stalled again. My first thought was "seems like the vent screw on the gas tank was closed" but it was not. I have seen some posts that suggest fiddling with the high end and low end screws but I haven't touched these and the auger was working fine and besides, the symptoms of stalling after a few minutes do not match those of the guys who resolved probems but adjusting these screws.

I was thinking fuel filter but don't know if this model has one. Only other thoughts are: blocked cracked fuel line or a crack/hole in the priming button. Any suggestions/recommendations?

[pipes18079]

I have the same issue with mine. Its been doing it for most of this season.

[burgerunh]

The first thing I would try is running some sea foam in with my gas and also fresh gas.  There maybe some crap in your carb that is causing it to run crappy and the sea foam will help to clean it out.  Also I have been running the synthetic 2-stroke oil for a couple years now and my auger runs much better on it.  Another cheap thing to try is a new spark plug.

If none of that works than do some research on here on fiddling with carb setting screws before you start fiddling.

[xp600]

Does it stall out when not drilling?  What happens when you hold the auger above ice or ground and run it?  Does it also stall then?

[baitemin]

 Just got mine to run descent, but its an Eskimo. Check the air intake filter and clean with some spray carb cleaner. If you have last years gas in it, drain and replace with some fresh gas.

[Thumber]

First thing I would do is check the air filters, theres a screen and a foam filter, seeing yours is 2 or 3 years old , have you cleaned them yet.. Than I would check the low and high speed adjustments.

[NH Trout Fisherman]

My Jiffy 30 is 9 years old now and still runs like a champ...But I had the same problem 3-4 years ago...

Most likely its one of two things... like Thumper said it could be a dirty filter or carb....Otherwise I would try adjusting the screws (make sure you remember where they were to start with so you know how much you've adjusted and can move them back if necessary)

You also want to make sure, your gas/oil mix ratio is correct...


"OAK" Gave a good description on a previous thread in regard to the Jiffy....


I have delt with this same problem for two seasons now this year I contacted a tech. On one of those sites that charges you money for an answer. The best thing I have done so far, the thing runs like a champ now, but I also added "sea foam" to the fuel. I paid 13 dollars for this info now its yours for free. James has just about the same info but this might be easier to follow. First thing to do is pop off the two red plastic caps on the screws. Remember looking straight at the screws the one on the right is High and Left is low. I don't like paying someone for something I can do myself but this 13 bucks is way better than the 60 or 75 a repair shop would charge.

 It's a diaphragm-style with two adjustment screws, main and idle.
Your initial presets are one turn out counterclockwise from the finger-tight seated position. Start the engine and let it warm up for about 5 minutes before you attempt any adjustments. If the engine falters or dies after the choke lever is moved to the "OFF" position, turn the adjusting screw 1/4 turn counterclockwise and restart the engine.

The first adjustment must be made with the main mixture screw. With the engine running, turn the mixture adjustment screw clockwise until the engine starts to falter,
remember this location. Next turn the screw counterclockwise until the engine starts to sputter or drop in R.P.M., remember this location. Now turn the screw clockwise until it is halfway between these two locations.

Do the same thing with the idle screw.
When the mixture is right, you can set the speeds at 4700 high, and 2100 low.
Hope this is helpful!

[Nitro16]

I have to run mine with the choke half way and runs great that way, bogs down like yours if its not in the middle.

[NH Trout Fisherman]

I have to run mine with the choke half way and runs great that way, bogs down like yours if its not in the middle.

I have also noticed the same thing with mine...runs better at 1/2 choke...

[ishoot308]

I have a Jiffy Model 30 that I bought used and has worked perfectly for 2-3 years now. However, last time out, after cutting several holes, it began stalling on each new hole after cutting several inches of ice. I would pull the auger out of the hole, prime once and it would start right up and work for the next hole for several inches until it stalled again. My first thought was "seems like the vent screw on the gas tank was closed" but it was not. I have seen some posts that suggest fiddling with the high end and low end screws but I haven't touched these and the auger was working fine and besides, the symptoms of stalling after a few minutes do not match those of the guys who resolved probems but adjusting these screws.

I was thinking fuel filter but don't know if this model has one. Only other thoughts are: blocked cracked fuel line or a crack/hole in the priming button. Any suggestions/recommendations?

Mine is brand new and did the exact same thing.  It's the two carb adjustment screws. Screw on left as your facing auger is idle adjustment, one on right is high speed adjustment.

Dan

[Thumber]

If you did not get a manual when you bought it used you can use the on  line manual.

http://jiffyonice.com/Jiffy30SeriesManual.pdf

[6wheels]

If its running great at half choke and stalling out periodically, you need to adjust the carb mixture screw. The advice above on adjusting these two screws is right on the mark and its nothing to be afraid of trying. Just remember that a big change in temperature will mean readjusting the screws again. Not a big deal, just bring a multitool with you when you go out and gitter done.

[EL CAPITAN]

Mine always starts and runs moderately till the last hole then it runs great   after its warmed up!! Ive done adjustmentds  etc but its still finicky cold..

[fishlessman]

mine stalls out on warm days, runs great when its cold. might just need to spray some carb cleaner in it. just got a nils handauger 8 inch in the mail this morning and tried it out at lunch. i think my jiffey might not see as much action anymore, cut two holes thru 12 inch ice in under 50 seconds total time. problem with my jiffey right now is it needs to be pushed hard to get it to drill, brand new blade and it takes all my weight to get it to dig, new auger screw costs more than what i paid for it new back twenty years ago, prices are redidulous

[ryanlookingforperch]

I find I have to play with the adjustment screw if the temp differs by 10 degrees or so. 

I.E:  I set it up and tune it to drill in -15c, but if it is alot warmer or colder...I just readjust from the -15c tune.....

I have only been doing this the last year.....now that I have my gator...LOL.

I should really sell my jiffy 10".  It has only seen one season on the ice...But mine runs like a...meow..kitty kitty!!

Cheers!!

[MikeF-NH]

thanks guys...the gas is pretty much brand new. I tried a new 2 stroke oil this year called something like Shark Oil or something that includes a gas stablizer is and designed for augers. The mixture was for the 1 small container to 1 gallon of gas (40 to 1). This mixture worked fine for a few outings with no issues so I don't think thats it. The spark plug was changed when the issue first surfaced. I am going to try the sea foam first then try adjusting the right screw as it doesn't stall on idle.

[jibbs]

I have also nticed the same thing with mine...runs better at 1/2 choke...

me too.....i have been running mine half choke for years.......runs awesome.....

[Rob F.]

Sounds like your high idle screw needs adjustment.. mine does that every once in awhile. I always refer to this to fix it:

1.  Pull the yellow plastic caps out of the carb adjusters (if you still have these).

2.  Lightly seat both of the carb adjustment screws.

3.  The left screw, the "low" idle adjustment should be turrned out 1 1/8 turns.

4.  The right screw, the "high" idle adjustment should be turned out between 5/8 and 3/4 turns.

Adjust from there....

[MikeF-NH]

Just looked at the idle adjustment screws...the hole for the right (high) screw is gone. Hope I can get a replacement from Jiffy.

[ol mossy horns]

had the same problem with mine last year...water in the gas... empty it put new gas in and i made it a little rich, runs just fine now

[Thumber]

Just looked at the idle adjustment screws...the hole for the right (high) screw is gone. Hope I can get a replacement from Jiffy.

Mike
Go to your nearest Tecumseh repair shop they will have one.

[Tendril77]

What I would do:

1 Get some new fuel lines ($5)
2 Get a new carb kit, remove the mixture screws (count the turns it takes to bottom them out first), rinse it out with carb and choke cleaner, install the new gaskets/needle etc. and put the screws back in at the same amt of turns ($8)
3 Get a new plug ($1.50 autolite or equal)
4 Rinse out the tank (use new gas for this)

Sounds like a lot, but it is quick (1 hr or so), and for about $15, it will run like a champ!   

P.S. By the way, this simple rebuild may resurrect an old clunker bought from a garage sale to an ice tearing dream as long as you have compression and spark.

[Wild Turk]

It sounds like he has a Walbro carb on his auger that has a "Set" hi jet and only an adjustable low jet screw? Here is a pic of a fixed Hi jet carb on an older 2 Hp Eskimo that i have. This is only adjusted to smooth out the response of the throttle. Too lean and it will bog when you pin the throttle and to rich it will bog down and then pick up speed when you move the gas throttle. Find the happy medium and the auger should run fine?

Another quick note on Sea Foam= Ever smelled Coleman Fuel? Sea Foam is the same thing= Highly refined fuel (Will not gum up and will help remove gum from Carb) and will do the same as sea foam. Mix in some 2 stroke oil and you be saving some serious $ over Sea Foam/Snake oil.

Here is a pic of a set Hi jet carb.


It will look like there is suspose to be a high jet/But the hole is just countersunk into the carb.

[Bailbuster]

We were having the same problem and it was infact the vent old gas had gummed up hole,Ran fine half choke less air more pull on fuel tank, thru cap away put on a new one cuts like new.A little seafoam would not hurt now and then.BB