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

Today we go over how to repair a Mantis Tiller that has not been ran in awhile. Remember, fuel only lasts about a few months, so dump old fuel out first. Make sure the new fuel was purchased within the last 60 days.
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My name is Bre. I took two years of small engine repair at the local college. When I left school, I fell into a wonderful job at a local small engine shop where I worked the counter for a couple years. In 2010 my husband and I opened up our own small engine shop in central Arkansas where I am able to work alongside my family and best friends. We see over 2,000 pieces of small engine equipment every year, and answer 1,000's of small engine questions. We specialize in brands such as Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Echo and Shindaiwa, but work everyday on MANY other brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda, Craftsman, Remington, Red Max, Troy Bilt, Scag, Bad Boy, Hustler, World Lawn, Poulan, Mantis, Etc.. Hopefully, my experience I share, will save you Time, Money and Frustration in the future!
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Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.
Check out some other great small engine repair channels and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE....
Mower Medic 1
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Micks Mowers
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Steve's Small Engine Saloon
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[@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

[@BearE9090]

Great tip about stretching the fuel line. Thanks.

[@OneWildTurkey]

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

[@randyblanton3684]

I care absolutely nothing about a tiller but I love this 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!!!

[@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‼️😘😉😍

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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"

[@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.

[@erwinrommel1963]

She's amazing and I'm not easily impressed. Unlike many here, I actually admire her brain as much as her legs.

[@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 🤣😂🤣

[@Wootangtw]

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

[@bobbeaman1]

I almost had a stroke watching you cut the ends off those fuel lines over that intake hole. #OldHabitsDieHard LOL

[@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.

[@user-qb1qo4uf7b]

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

[@meanyist]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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. 🙂

[@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!

[@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. 😊

[@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

[@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

[@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. 👍

[@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.

[@independentthinker8930]

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

[@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 😉

[@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 👍

[@heavysnow8616]

Great work Bre, keep it up and prayers for a great season.

[@nycredneck]

Great vid Chick, I’ve had my Mantis for 20 years and love it, it always starts, works great in the garden and kicks butt on hard new ground when planting trees and shrubs.

[@bryanleibe2298]

Excellent video of answering all the questions I have when reassemble of carb. Sometime in the future will be looking this video up to rebuild.

[@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

[@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.

[@outdoorfreedom9778]

I have rebuilt a lot of carbs in my time but learned something watching this. Thank you!!

[@finaloption...]

The world needs more Chickanics in Mucks!

[@ranielson2854]

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

[@jeffreycanipe1936]

I also have worked on many of these. The old ones are great machines. Thanks for a great video!!!

[@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. 😊

[@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.

[@marclaw4511]

Your videos are so clear to follow.I was given one of these machines which is 30 yrs old.The old 2 stroke version is a beast.I replaced carb,fuel lines and filters and runs like new.

[@donnutt3857]

I have one of those bad boys myself, I love it!! Your carb setting are spot on, mine started right away and runs like yours. Thanks for the info

[@davidh.8513]

Thanks a lot. You make it all look so easy. This is a great channel. Keep up the good work!

[@robcole332]

That little fuel line trick is a game changer

[@trailjockeytj6160]

You’re the greatest! Got a mantis at home old one think it’s a two-stroke. Gonna have to try this fix up. Got a watch every video for the fact that I don’t know which one is the one I’m gonna need to use down the road. Thank you for this and the others!

[@scottyellis3442]

WOW I have that exact tiller with the exact problem, can't wait to watch. Thanks a bunch for this video. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@timdyer6196]

Enjoyed the video very much. The fuel line tip was worth twice the price of admission. Fought them a number of times. Keep up the good work.

[@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.

[@mc2whls]

Another GREAT VIDEO, Bre! To the point, easy to understand. Thank you!

[@edpfannkoch9971]

Love your videos, I've learned a ton already- my small engines thank you! Was going to try to get fuel line based on your recommendation but noticed the actual size on the box is 3/32" ID and 3/16" OD. The 4.8mm is just the metric equivalent of 3/16" OD.

[@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!!!

[@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 😊

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@timmiller7037]

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

[@budgillett9627]

They are an awesome little tiller! My wife bought one new about 25 years ago and the tines are seized ad the gears are froze so we bought a brand new to us. I think it’s the same as yours minus the kick stand. I refreshed the carb replaced the fuel lines and prestó it works GREAT. I love running it but so does she and after all it is hers. Very cool machine!!!

[@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!

[@RTD1947]

THE BEST carburetor rebuild Ever!! Nice video!!!

[@jasonryanflores2338]

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

[@daniellang6112]

those shorts rock!! nice job!

[@rustyclam238]

Excellent video. I like the fact that you used a white towel while working on a carburetor to keep from losing small parts. I always do that. Also when taking a fuel line off of a carburetor and the tank has gas in it use a drill bit to stick in the fuel line.

[@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.

[@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.

[@mr19471985]

I love my Mantis, The first Mantis I bought was in and it worked great, when I saw they made a 4 stroke Honda, I was thrilled until I bought one and never liked it at all, the two strokes ran faster than the Honda, so I when back and bought a used one online and have been very happy with my used one.

[@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 👍

[@rubenMarquez37]

Dios. I really like see you work. Explaining every single piece. Thank you ma’am. 🎉🎉🎉

[@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.

[@saltminers3976]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@jayward2662]

dadgum it anyone that can fix those two cycle cursed demons has got my sub .

[@samtate1260]

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

[@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.😊

[@GaryT1952]

Really well presented! Great tutorial B

[@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 !!

[@captainkirk1745]

I REALLY enjoy you channel. Thanks for showing such good infprmation! 😄

[@johnpysarchyk1391]

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

[@richardstone5241]

Excellent channel! Just found your channel, watched some video's and SUBSCRIBED!! Great info and instruction.

[@Alpha1545]

Cool video. I got one of them mantis's. If I am not mistaken some adjustable carbs low and high needle's are also threaded different. Good luck with you're garden this up coming season.

[@RussellHoughton]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@davidpugh9990]

EXCELLENT, YOU DO A GREAT JOB ON YOUR VIDEO'S NO MATTER WHAT THE TOPICS ARE. THANKS

[@fredspindor1624]

I Always enjoy your Videos Thanks

[@Chickanic]

Thanks Fred!

[@paullandry8301]

You are really good ! I’m jealous. You know your way and you explain really well. Thank you

[@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!

[@johngaida7411]

great video as usual thank you for all the work making them

[@stevenhallsworth5839]

Brilliant love again your vlog was amazing extremely educational it's a pleasure to learn from you. Your a wizard. Thankyou. Top Chick.

[@politicalpartyagnostic268]

Very Timely!!😁 Thank you!!

[@joekandu7274]

Very nice episode. I loved everything I saw!!

[@rickthelian2215]

Nice carburettor makeover, indeed Tillers are handy to have.😀

[@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.

[@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.

[@wingdwolf56]

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

[@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