SM Lazer Pro spews gas out the mouth of the tank

My 3 hp Strikemaster Cobra bought in ’95 for $125 bit the dust. I figure I got more than my money’s worth. Bought a new Lazer Pro with the 10″ auger, but after reading everything and looking everything over, I find out that not only were the blades made in China (replacement ones from Fleet say they’re from Sweden these don’t have anything stamped on ’em) but I get gas spewing out the mouth of the tank. Looked at the cap, thought something was wrong, dropped $14 on another one and it does the same thing. Look at the mouth again and find that it’s not level/square…there will be a gap between it and the gasket no matter how tight I turn the cap. Anyone have any suggestions? Other than I’ve emailed Strikemaster with my issue(s) and haven’t heard back yet. Should I expect to take it to a Solo dealer to get ready to swap out a tank? Would it be easier to try to make the mouth square and solve the problem my self? Are all the blades now from China? Need some advice and help me calm down. I’ve got a trip planned in a week and a half and don’t want to sit here worrying about the auger. Thanks for the help.

I’d buy a Ford. But, I’ve been drinking and my foot is in a cast and I can’t fish…so wooptie doooo.

If the mouth is slightly off I would trim with a sharp utility knife, if replacement is easier then take it in. Myself, I like putzin’, besides, if you screw it up then take it in and say this is how it came.

Thanks for the help.
Since thinking about this, as it’s bothering me, I was able to get the cap on the tank so that it wouldn’t spill out or spit when running, but I had to screw the cap on TIGHT tighter than I have for any other tank cap on any other engine I own. The motor actually didn’t want to turn at the max rpms for a short time which confused me…it seemed like it needed to be vented but without a vent you should be able to tighten it down and you’re good to go. I’ve since opened the cap and tightened it back down again but had to tighten it to the max. For now, I’m going to keep an eye on it as I’m sure that on a tank of gas it should last all day unless that’s all I’m doing is poping holes. I’m going to still try to get an anwer from SM as it’s not right. Don’t get me started on the blade issue.

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I’d buy a Ford. But, I’ve been drinking and my foot is in a cast and I can’t fish…so wooptie doooo.

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Sell crazy someplace else, we’re all stocked up here!

I would also talk to SM about the blades, I believe they were replacing the China ones with the good ones for free.

An update: After an email or two, I was told that they would be shipping out quality Swedish blades for the auger, which is a positive. I can fix the tank myself. That’s the path of least resistance, downtime and hassle although it shouldn’t be. Seems by way of feedback my issue was an anomaly which is good, but the whole issue with the tank being substandard still gets me a little. Tight lines and thanks for the feedback.

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An update: After an email or two, I was told that they would be shipping out quality Swedish blades for the auger, which is a positive. I can fix the tank myself. That’s the path of least resistance, downtime and hassle although it shouldn’t be. Seems by way of feedback my issue was an anomaly which is good, but the whole issue with the tank being substandard still gets me a little. Tight lines and thanks for the feedback.

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Why not ask them to throw a tank in with the blades, you can always put it on in the off season.

I did, but they said that I’d need to take it to a Solo rep. I really didn’t feel like fighting tooth and nail for something that I can fix so I fixed it myself. I know that in principle that’s not what it should be about, but it is what it is. Sad to say that this isn’t the first time I’ve had to improve upon somthing made in china….had to weld supports to thier stamped “steel” compontents for a wheel barrel for crying out loud. I find comfort in the fact that I can do that….or maybe it’s I have to do it cause if I don’t it won’t last as long and I’m just getting good at fixing stuff. Tight lines,

I would take it in to the Strikemaster authorized repair center in the off season and have the tank replaced. Heck if it’s free why not.