I can't get my Mantis tiller started. It's a 2 cycle 2003 model.

10 years ago

I replaced the carb, plug, filter and 3 hose fuel tank assembly. Now it will at least sputter under full choke, but still no startup. Do the new hoses have to be cut short in the tank? My arm won't take much more of this. Using a shovel is looking easier, but at age 71 it's all hard.

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Comments (3)

loger_gw
10 years ago
Did it run or how
did it run before the recent work?
I’ll ask a few questions to try and help find
a need (fire/fuel/compression).
When did the 2003
last run with satisfaction? Approx hrs
per season?
Did you adjust
the replaced Carb and how many turns from a light seat?
Why did you
replace the carb? Is the Carb on
tight? Checked Spark arrestor?
Age of old plug
and would it fire? Did you ck the new plug for fire and gap?
Did compression ck
approx 100 psi or not able to hold comp with finger or feel normal???
Age of fuel? Will it prime or did you prime manually to
get it to sputter?
Is the fuel hose
not making a sharp bend in the tank, with a new filter on the line?
1. Do you have past experience servicing the Eng? At 71 take breaks and double Ck
2. What is your plot’s size and has it been broken yearly
  to allow a shovel safely?
Please just copy/past my list and add a short response.

What did I miss Mantis tiller Owners and Service Techs???
don_wingo
Original Author
10 years ago
It has almost always been hard to start. Ran last spring, roughly. Did not check for spark. Replaced plug, filters, fuel line. Parts tech suggested carb. Did not set H/L screws, clean arrestor. Used old gas. Will replace and adjust carb screws. Have 9 8x8 raised plots, well turned. Thanks
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loger_gw
10 years ago
1. I have heard or seen
plenty complaints about the Mantis, vs challenging one.

2. I try to always start with
the basic if the problem is unknown (Fire/Fuel/Compression).

A. Actually ck to see a blue spark from the
plug. Sounds like you had some fire.

B. Know I am getting fresh fuel by seeing
the prime wet the crab’s bore or I wet it.

C.
Did the Tech say the Carb was pre set? With how much turn ea or will you use
ea?

D. Know the spark arrestor on the muffler is not restricted.

3. Is a screen in your carb
that can restrict fuel?

4. Was the old fuel treated? Any
sign or deteriorated fuel line in the fuel?

5. Are you feeling good
resistance from the compression?

6. Your Plot will be
Friendly!! You will need 9 breaks if you are saying you have 9

Good Luck!

Youtube on tuning a mantis
carb:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkNrXa5BuAg

Youtube on cleaning a mantis carb
and this one had the fuel screen inside:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amv1Nw6HLLk