How to fix a Mantis Tiller 2 Cycle that has been sitting Zama Carb rebuild Repair Vlog

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@FrederickDunn]

I was about to get rid of my Mantis. Now, I'm going to rebuild that rascal. I found the entire replacement kit for under $20 including the spark plug. Thank you for the encouragement, I'm back in the garden tilling business thanks to YOU!

[@Chickanic]

Don't forget to attach your throttle cable! I thought I filmed it, but I guess I didn't. Thanks for watching!!!

[@snoykster2216]

Would you happen to have parts for the Mantis Tiller? Just purchased a 2002 2 cycle version and wanted to upgrade the grips/ throttle.

[@Midwest-small-engine]

Actually just watched this before I picked up mine today

[@kenyatasims6991]

I promise you I would never‼️😘😉😍

[@michalczerwonka4020]

My Mantis is '89 vintage and it runs like new. I've got it for $60. My neighbor is envious. Thank you for posting this video.

[@meanyist]

I'm so happy to see a woman after my own heart doing this fabulous video

[@litchar]

I've been on the internet for 28 years. It takes a lot to impress me but I found you an hour ago and you are my 14th subscription. You have a wealth of experience which you are willing to pass on to your viewers. You make great videos, well explained, good camera work and excellent editing. There are LOTS of videos of personal attempts to fix things but being a true mechanic, you actually know what is causing the problem and the proper fix. I am SO impressed!

[@Chickanic]

Wow, thank you!

[@snaponjohn100]

I totally agree with litchar!!!

[@gergemall]

I have extra part’s laying around and your video helped me find the correct fuel lines and their order. Thank you

[@NancysBareFootBackYard]

The Chickanic Rocks!!!

[@randyblanton3684]

I care absolutely nothing about a tiller but I love this video.

[@BearE9090]

Great tip about stretching the fuel line. Thanks.

[@peterzorlakki8199]

Mine has been sitting for 15 years. Gonna get her running if its the last thing I do. My body aches from so much digging!!😢❤❤❤

[@gavinbaldwin7269]

My mother used to tell me, "You can always pick the mechanics car, it's the one that's broken down."! Not that he's a bad mechanic, but at the end of the day, fixing his own car is the last thing he wants to do. Enjoying your work; please keep posting the videos.

[@Wootangtw]

Wow… the shorts and boots caught my attention… haha… I always watch anyway… thanks for your videos …

[@OneWildTurkey]

The Mantis idea of keeping it simple shows they had brains working on the design!

[@Chickanic]

Thank you so much for watching!! Looking to support my channel? Find my Amazon Wish List Here! www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/G5FF73Q3T94D?ref_=wl_share

[@matthewwearsch242]

I've had both the gas and electric MANTIS tillers around 12 years ago and they both would not even scratch the surface of my garden we have a lot of clay in northern Ohio but I like your " Daisy DUKES"

[@RedHotFiat]

Thank you! I loaned out my 35 year old Mantis and it came back not running. I already did the carb swap a couple of years ago. Following just the carb adjustment portion of this video, I got it running again. While using it today 3 of the 4 screws holding the transmission fell out and the last one cracked the transmission housing. Looks like I'm going to take it apart and find an aluminum welder to fix it for me. I love your channel.

[@rf005]

Out of all the lawn equipment you tube channels yours is the only one that has videos as same equipment I have like echo chainsaws and Mantis tiller I love my mantis very powerful be careful around strong roots it pulled me to the ground 1 time LOL

[@Chickanic]

Thanks RF! I try to do videos on the most common things I see homeowners bring in.

[@sporty1701]

On those very rare occasions when it ran, I loved my Mantis tiller. I have multiple gasoline powered vehicles and yard equipment...getting any of them running after sitting idle for months (even years), has NEVER been a problem. The Mantis was always the exception! Every spring, after hours of fighting with it (and wearing off most of the skin between my 2nd and 3rd fingers) I could usually get it running. After 12 years of this insanity, I gave it to a friend, with the understanding that it was nearly impossible to start after sitting for more than a few days. We remain good friends...he never mentions the Mantis, and NEVER ask.

[@ekimnamdets6946]

I feel your pain on losing skin between my fingers. I’ve resorted to waiting for multiple chores for the mantis to go through my ritual of starting it to keep it running for as long as possible. I almost forgot to mention, I inherited it from a guy that warned me it was a pain to deal with but he passed his ritual for starting it.

[@markmyers3523]

Thank you thank you thank you!!!! I inherited a Mantis from my father in law. It's been sitting for a couple of years and definitely isn't getting fuel. Your video is perfect to help me get this back up and running.

[@disklamer]

I don't even own a single piece of equipment with an engine, and have never worked on engines. These videos are a chill way to learn, very detailed and I like the relaxed style. Soon I will be able to pretend I know a thing or two.

[@michaelleonard7613]

Saw this video, and bought 2 mantis tillers from a scrapper for $20. With your help got one running getting ready to start on the second one.

[@michaelprior1097]

Wow, mantis tiller I used to work for the company who made it for them. The company I worked inside of was a little wonder. back then they were located in Southampton PA Wow, that brings back memories. Some friends of mine still work there.

[@ericklassen742]

Hey! I retird as an instructor (37 years) for big rigs and also their related air brake system. I could drive them BUT I also could fix them. That said, you impressed my socks off. Thanks for makiing 2-cycle as simple as my Peterbilt semi operation. You are my go-to for the small stuff. Thanks a bunch!

[@dsonictube]

Like them Daisy Dukes

[@jackaragg]

I use to spend all of my time watching Donyboy 73 & Steve's Small Engine Saloon videos ...... But now my new/latest infatuation is consuming all of my time. ........... And this Meredith ..... Is my final answer !

[@TimothyHigdonHiggs]

Thanks!

[@Chickanic]

Wow! You rock! Thanks so much!!

[@TimothyHigdonHiggs]

@@Chickanic you have helped!

[@hickorystx]

Nice job overall. Interesting to see the whole repair process. So, TILL next time, stay healthy happy and safe!!

[@Chickanic]

Thanks Mr G!

[@charlesmckinley29]

Boo Hiss Boo 🤣😂🤣

[@JT_70]

I bought an old rusty Mantis from a friend. I replaced the carb, spark plug, gas filter and fuel lines then sanded and repainted everything including the rusty handles and the tines. I even replaced all the decals. It looks brand new! My son borrowed it recently and couldn’t get it to run more than about 30 seconds at a time. I ordered another new carb which he installed but had the same problem. I told him to try swapping the fuel lines. He did and now it runs great.

[@eddiehuff7366]

Wow...lucky man your husband. Pretty blonde wearing Daisy Dukes and boots and can fix anything!!!! I'm so jealous.

[@steverandall5814]

It was a pleasure watching you work on a piece of equipment that was made to last and made to be serviceable. I've got a 1980 LawnBoy 2 stroke mower I wouldn't trade for anything new. Everything about it was made to be serviced and repaired. Too much of today's power equipment is disposable...run it 'till it stops, then buy a new one. Such a waste of resources and an unnecessary contribution to the landfill.

[@charlestaylor751]

Charle from Stlouis thanks to you I can start my lawnmower and my scooter and my other tools in the winter time thanks again

[@uawsux]

I really like your Daisy Duke cutoffs right out of the dukes of Hazzard when that in Arkansas too you're protecting your feet I see good deal but you got the hood up on your Corvette I'm not going to say further I just noticed it was up.....

[@finaloption...]

The world needs more Chickanics in Mucks!

[@stephensgate5990]

Nice vid- brought back memories-(I did this kind of work for 15 years) I do have a tip for you. Before you remove the carb/ and expose the internals of the engine to caked on dirt and grime it’s a good idea to wash the unit first eliminating the possibility of dirt dropping down the manifold.

[@markm.9968]

My dad's Mantis quit on him a year ago or two ago, thanks for the encouragement to get it back up and running for him. 😊

[@independentthinker8930]

I want a mantis! Great for after my garden has started growing. I love 2 stroke engines

[@craigmcgehee1030]

On your fuel line that you stretch out, I actually a few years ago bought a nasal septum speculum with a thumb screw from Amazon for about $8. You put the fuel line on the end and turn the set screw and leave it like that for a few minutes, the the fuel filter goes right on. The nasal speculum saves the strain on your hands from squeezing and puts a more rounded shape on the line. Thanks for the video and I love watching each one

[@thomasmarcum13]

I have one of the older Mantis tillers ...of course, it will not run..I took it to a repair shop and the guy got in trouble for animal abuse and fled the state. He took some people's stuff but I was able to get my Mantis. Thanks for the video.

[@lorrinbarth1969]

The Mantis amazes me on how it can sit all winter and start every spring. Remember to fill the gearbox with grease each spring. Also, if you put it away with trash wrapped around the axles moisture will rust the tines in place. So, pull the tines and remove all trash before storage.

[@arkansasgreg]

Per your description of the Mantis, I feel old(er) now...lol! Think I ordered mine from a magazine ad decades ago. Have only replaced a sparkplug and fuel lines on mine. It's a little tank. WPS!!!

[@gergemall]

I picked up another Mantis tiller for twenty five dollars and just needs a carb and new fuel lines . I love the video for reference. Thx so much.

[@marcelcanuck]

picked one of these at the landfill site for 5 bucks , all it needed was fuel lines and it runs like a charm , perfect for the garden boxes

[@Chickanic]

That's awesome!

[@marcelcanuck]

@@Chickanic the landfill sites out here have a recycle section where they sell stuff for dirt cheap , it's awesome 👍

[@John-dp3ln]

Great video. I have a 40 yo Mantis, great machine. FYI, if you want to cheat, Amazon has several different carbs for these machines for about $20. Not as satisfying as rebuilding your old one but a lot easier. Enjoy your channel!

[@jameschainey2343]

Talking about the mannis tiller I was so glad to hear you say that they was one of the best tillers made. I have had mine about 18 year's to the engine replaced was the carburetor 😊

[@pauldowner8335]

Those mantis tillers with Shindawa engines were beasts. Beat the daylights out of it for years. It suffered a broken carb nipple one year. Replaced carb but it just never wanted to run well after. Sad I sold mine, but after multiple carb rebuilds and even carb replacements, still wouldnt run and sold it. But after listening to a number of these videos realized there was one or two things i didnt try abd bet that would have resurrected the poor thing.

[@mystuff1405]

I just did this to my Mantis. Carb change and fuel line change. Cranked 2nd pull and with fine tuning job done $20 china knock-off carb.

[@sschario60]

A neighbor put out to the curb a free Cub Cadet GC145 tiller. I was informed they suspect the carb as the culprit. The tiller, cosmetically, looks brand new. Hopefully, this Mantis video will prove helpful. Thank you.

[@patthesoundguy]

I love those little tillers! I wish I had one here for my father's raised veggie garden beds, he has an electric mini tiller and the cable is a pain in the neck. I love rebuilding those carbs, I never get tired of doing it.

[@Chickanic]

I LOVE this tiller. It has tilled my entire 40x50 garden of raised beds.

[@patthesoundguy]

@@Chickanic I need to find one this spring I think 🤔 might have to do some high performance tuning on one 😉

[@brendaking737]

I have an old mantis just sitting in the garage. Bought it 20 years ago for $50. bucks. I’m going to get it running! Thanks for the inspiration and how to do it!

[@roundsm18]

Ive had one of these since the 90s - still works great. Unfortunately I have a brother who decided he wanted to do some work for me and lost half the pieces. The book long since deteriorated over the last 20 some years - this is awesome.

[@RussellHoughton]

I picked one of these up from the trash last year. It's on my winter todo list.

[@maddmaxx525]

❤🎉, thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you, oh, and one quick point about the choke plate screw on the air filter housing… There is a small, silver washer that sits within the choke plate, if not centred correctly will pinch the air filter housing and the choke plate. Not allowing your choke to properly move. Love your videos been watching you for a few years. again thank you thank you thank you.

[@larrygantz3941]

WOW! Recently discovered you on KZbin and find your videos extremely informative and your detailed "down to earth" presentations make it crazy fun to watch! I too own a vintage Mantis and I specifically searched for a video on troubleshooting a Mantis that won't start! One of the many suggestions you made was to empty the fuel tank and primer purge the fuel lines! I did exactly that and put in fresh fuel and it popped off first pull! You are an honest breath of fresh air and fun to follow! Thank you for being you and helping us!

[@gregmaxfield4405]

Nice instructions on the Carb rebuild. I don't have a Tiller but have worked on these carby's over the years. Love your work. 🙂🚜🐻 Bear Queensland Oztralia.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks Greg!!

[@gregmaxfield4405]

@@Chickanic sorry, have been absent lately due to illness. But getting back on deck now. 🙂

[@glenn-q8y]

love your videos. clear straight forward info..no bs. keep up the great job!!!!!my new go to girl!!!cheers

[@vinodkv6222]

Hi, Vinod from India who commented on your Chainsaw Starting solution...I have a Mantis tiller too which a classmate brought down from the US about 15years ago!!..still fine though the fuel priming bulb got gnawed at by rats...By the way..India is NOT a place for DIY popularity....folks look down on people into DIY...be it Horticulture, Woodworking, Plumbing, Electrical works etc.. great to have foud you to ask for DIY problems!!

[@jasonryanflores2338]

Everyday I learn something new, I’ve never even heard of Mantis brand

[@kellyhodges6276]

Thanks ! I have the same tiller that got fueled with some weird powder from the gas station and it messed 3 small engines and my truck . I got everything running but the tiller . I hope it works after I clean it all out . Thanks Miss Bre , I love your videos . Your 😅husband is a very lucky guy !!

[@PinBall3]

Had A Mantis For A Long Time Then The Bronze Worm Drive Wore Out On It Seemed More Cost Effective To Get The Echo Unit And Haven`t Used It In Years So This Video Will Help If I Have The Same Issue Back To Being A Farmer And Growing Crops Again The Way Food Prices Are Going Thanks For The Info 👍

[@johnclarke6647]

They typically have a Zama C1U-K54 or C1U-K82. I have found these are interchangeable. Mine had the latter and now has the former - just what I was able to get. It worked from the get go, but I did do a little tuning on it.

[@pwood5733]

I think it really helps to fix machines in daisy dukes 😊 … made me feel better anyway

[@c.d.3485]

One tip for getting the high and low jets back to a good start position when reassembling is when removing them count his many turns to bed them down closed. Then fully remove them. On reassembling screw fully in, then count back the number of turns to the original setting. This usually gets the carb to runnable state, even if find tuning is required. About to do this very same job on my mantis. Many thanks, Chris in Cornwall, UK.

[@danieldominguez7146]

Wow.. A Mantis tiller. I have the same exact unit in my shop. It needs a cylinder & piston rings to get back up an running. Can’t wait to get to fix the tiller. Thanks for the video DLCR El Paso,Tx

[@paulvilleneuve9628]

Worked on two Mantis in May 2020. One new carb and the other carb kit. Both ran great after the repair! You do a great job! Keep up the good work. 😊

[@jsimm4587]

Great tillers ! Hold it back let it dig in then drag it backward to make the finest soil . Switch the tines around to cultivate or till .

[@saltminers3976]

Got to say I have become a fan of your channel and will be my go to when I have a problem thanks.

[@giromac1]

A relative gave us their old Mantis and I took apart that zama carb a couple times, but didn't get it working right at elevation and couldn't find carb kits back then. Plus the fuel tank cracked into pieces, and we didn't have a great use for it, so we gave it away to someone wanting to play with small engines. Ours didn't have a kick stand by the time I got it. Thanks for the video...it sounds like it wasn't just junk, and it could have been good to fix it.

[@garymoon2829]

Great tutorial, thank you! I especially appreciate the tip about stretching the fuel line before attaching to filter or vent. As cited by @fitchar, you explain steps very well, and the camera work is excellent. I've got two non-functional Mantis tillers waiting for work. I'll be back to re-watch this as I'm diving into those machines.😊

[@ciphercode2298]

I was just given one by my sister. It was originally bought by my mother back when Clinton was president. She'd gotten it some years ago to do some gardening and itd sat for a couple years before she got it. Needless to say it doesnt run and has been out in the weather. A carb rebuild, new lines,tune up,and maybe a throttle cable are in order. Hopefully I can get it goin for under $100

[@btrswt35]

I don't know about fuel line, but with vinyl tubing using hot water will also make it more elastic and slip into barbed connectors a lot easier.

[@kathleeno5174]

Thanks for the great video. Our Mantis tiller i's on the bench and now, thanks to your info, I feel ready to tackle it!!!

[@kennethlowe6337]

Great video. You make installing the needle and spring look so easy. I have big sausage fingers and it takes a few tries and walking away from it a time or two but I usually get it done. Keep up the great content. 👍

[@brittany7502]

You are AWESOME! Very rare to c a girl doing what you are

[@daniellang6112]

those shorts rock!! nice job!

[@bagadonutz5717]

I enjoyed this lesson a lot I used to rebuild the Zama’s on both of my 7222 machines from that era but had to change them out for the crapshoot carbs sold online after the local parts source stopped being helpful. The screw adjustments on the chicarbs are about a half turn out or it looks like I’m fogging the yard. Once I get them running the tweaking requires a steady hand and not quite 1/360th of turn . I saved the Zama carbs hoping I would find genuine parts to rebuild them but haven’t had much luck

[@samtate1260]

We don’t use tiller’s until may around here great videos thanks for the info

[@twohandsworking896]

good video at right time-i have 2 mantis tillers like that that ,i was getting ready to pull carbs and do that-thanks

[@Chickanic]

Awesome! Yea, I have this one AND a back up in case this one ever dies on me. I even have an OEM piston and cylinder JUST IN CASE I need it one day. I LOVE them!

[@kellyspann9845]

I have the very same Mantis and love it. My gas tank split in two where the seam goes all the way around the tank from manufacturing. They wanted so mush for the tank I just mad a gas tank out of a Gatorade bottle and a couple of bungee cords and she worked fine.

[@SammyFender]

Oh man! My first tiller was Mantas! Oh how I hated it! I made it into a death trap scooter! Another great video!

[@rogicodrs7976]

Well...I am very impressed.. Such a gorgeus lady and know so much about this machines..Lot's od kisses from Croatia,have a Nice Easter holiday,Bye!!

[@johnpysarchyk1391]

I’ve learned a ton from your videos!!! Thank you!!!!!

[@deborahhayes2620]

Thank you so much for a thorough repair demonstration showing correct placement of fuel line, return & vent line. For some reason other repair videos didn't show these important placements. So, I kept looking & found you. Keep up the good work.

[@Chickanic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robcole332]

That little fuel line trick is a game changer

[@bobschallalcs584]

on adjusting before I remove adjusting screws I carefully screw them in counting 1/2 turns then remove the adjusting screws to rebuild carburetor so then when I reinstall screws there are really close to be adjusted also I write the 1/2 turns down in case I interrupted with or by someone you making some great videos and you are showing some old time tricks on working on small motors which some I created 40 years ago you doing great

[@juliaallen7149]

I've had this about four months and have found it to be an aggressive and powerful rig. kzbin.infoUgkxjo0FLo5z3Y_qUcT3vSlOqpMaMdFjvsXa I've used several others in the past and the Sun Joe surpasses these, easily. I note that several people have commented that it bounces on rocky and compacted soil. I believe that would be the case with all tillers - the ground does need to be "broken", either with a larger tractor type unit or with a shovel, and rocks need to be removed. I'm living on a Pike silt loam here in the midwest and the Sun Joe turns my garden to bug dust in two quick passes. I use a technique where I do a short 2 foot run then pull it back and let it go over it again.

[@mberck]

I wish mine had a kickstand like yours! I'm a little suspicious of yours starting on the first pull after disassembly/reassembly, but you ARE the gas power tool whisperer. I replaced the carburetor rather than overhaul, but I was successful after doing the rquiired adjustments. Small point: it's counterintuitive, but mine digs better with the tines reversed from yours. I had thought the sawtooth configuration would be more effective, but it's the curved tines that dig the best when turning the other direction!

[@robertbaysinger1309]

Just did mine a couple weeks ago. Was waiting for you to pull out one of the spiral diaphragms zama makes. I still have a ton of the old style to use up too lol

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Zama does not make a spiral diaphragm! You are thinking of Walbro!!!

[@timmiller7037]

I have a vintage Mantis I love the Kioritz engine.. that lil tiller is a beast! Love it

[@chrischiampo7647]

Mantis Or Kioritz Echo is a Beast of Tiller I’ve Fixed a Few of Them Over The Years 😀

[@hossdunn8727]

Oh boy hope you don’t get all bs about spraying carb cleaner on the ground you might kill a bug or something Lol great video keep up the good job

[@Chickanic]

LOL! Nothing but a pile of fire ants where I was spraying. LOL! One got me, so I killed them all!

[@josecalona1933]

Good job John lady

[@TheIronDuke502]

I would really loved to have one of the Mantis tillers when I used to grow my plot of tomatoes. The Mantis tiller would be great to work the dirt between the tomato plants.

[@mickjager5974]

I had, well still have just gave up on it, a 15year old Poulan chain saw that about 9 months ago I needed to use but hadn't run in a couple years. So I had to replace the primer bulb and fuel lines as they dry rotted, then used it to use it to cut up a tree. Didn't use it again till about 2 months after that. Ran really crappy and so I fiddled with the adjustment screws and got it really running good, but when I tried to cut up some oak, I could tell the blade needed sharpening, so I stopped to do that. Filled it up with fresh gas and could never get it to start again. Not the slightest brap brap brap even after spraying the carb with some starting fluid. I'm guessing the spark module died But I didn't feel like putting money into and fighting an old 2 stroke every 6 months to 2 year when I needed a chain saw. So went out and bought an electric. Used it to cut up the oak, then it sat for 2 months till last weekend. Sister in law needed a tree cut so I grabbed a battery, stuck it on the saw, pulled the trigger and the chain spun up to full speed with no fiddling with gas, pulling a rope, a lot of cussing or even making much more noise that a steady hum of the chain spinning around! Thank ya Jesus!

[@NM-eb5ej]

I call mine badass, she goes and goes . it was given to me and it didn't have any problems.

[@jerrygilles9612]

just like the one I had. I replaced the fuel lines and replaced the fuel filter. ran great after that. Also replaced prime bulb.

[@weels1886]

Must be nice it's warm enough for summer clothes! It's 18 deg F here! Hope the wind blows your weather this way. Nice to get an easy fix like that once in a while isn't it? Good vid.

[@ToddAdams1234]

I live about 1.5hrs from her shop and during the day (lately) it’s been plenty warm during the day, when you are in the sun. At night it’s a different story 🤦🏻

[@ranielson2854]

Thanks for all of the tips & tricks of rebuilding…. Your awesome help is greatly appreciated! :-) Wishing You and your’s a wonderful day!

[@craigditzenberger4551]

Would have loved to have this video three years ago. Mine did the exact same thing. Ended up doing the same thing to fix it too.

[@whocares0692]

Nice video. I had to replace my carb on a Troy Bilt. I replaced the fuel lines, but totally different than how you showed us. You way was much easier. I used a hair drier. lol. Nice boots also

[@jerrykolb3017]

I love my Mantis tiller in my raised beds

[@jeffmonroe9766]

Just acquired an echo 1260 pole saw my son saw it fall off a truck on the freeway slow lane he stopped and got it then chased the truck for 7 miles that was 15 years ago new fuel lines filters walbro rebuild kit runs great. No scoring either side.