Fixing Mantis Tiller That Won’t Start – One More Problem Solved!

This article analyzes the major problems and provides solutions to why a Mantis tiller won’t start.
By
Nora Held
Nora Held
Research Writer
Apart from being our main writer, Nora also works for a number of gardening-related sites and magazines, sharing her experience as an owner of a small farm in North Carolina read more
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Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Bruce owns a small farm and loves to grill since his early childhood. He’s a professional cook, but hiking and enjoying the great outdoors is his no less favorite part of read more
Last updated: August 15, 2023
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A Mantis tiller is a favorite machine for people who practice farming and gardening. It is an excellent option for executing seedling activities and weeding, particularly in areas with delicate crops. It is also a good machine for loosening the soil, making it easier to perform numerous farm activities. You can also enhance your activities by fitting in the Mantis 5222 Power Tiller Dethatcher Attachment for gardening, pulling up thatch, and weeding.

However, your engine is prone to various problems which may halt your activities. The most common is why the Mantis tiller won’t start. Today we will be looking at how to start a Mantis tiller and some of the prominent solutions to solve the menace. We have also articulated some of the best front tine tillers essential in gardening and landscaping activities that you may find suited to your needs.

Why Won’t My Mantis Tiller Start?

Mantis tillers have two- or four-cycle engines that have an easy operation. In addition, recent technological innovations have led to the production of electric tillers that are powerful and eco-friendly. 

Nonetheless, you may experience complications when starting your Mantis tiller. This may be due to having an old machine, fuel, and ignition problems. Additionally, storing your machine for long and clogging may be a major reason for machine failure. 

It would help if you periodically countercheck your machine to ensure that all parts are in the best condition. Alternatively, there are some heavy-duty hand tillers that are fantastic for loosening the soil, especially when your machine experiences breakdown. 

How to Start a Mantis Tiller

Fixing Mantis Tiller That Won’t Start – One More Problem Solved!
If your Mantis tiller will not start, first ensure that the On/Off switch is on.

Mantis tillers provide plenty of power to get the job done. They are also efficient in multitasking farm activities. For example, the Mantis 3550 Electric Tiller/Cultivator has varying speeds when performing tilling and cultivation roles. 

A Mantis tiller is easier to start but may occasionally have complications during ignition. There are numerous ways on how to start a Mantis tiller based on the different hurdles that may subject your machine to fail. Below are some of the best solutions that can help in troubleshooting Mantis tiller problems.

Service the Stored Mantis Tiller

Storing your Mantis tiller may be a source of your start-up problem. This may require cleaning up to ensure that it functions normally. Empty and clean the fuel tank and carburetor before starting the engine. Fuel that has been dormant in the tank for over thirty days may cause ignition problems. This is according to a ResearchGate Trusted Source Chemical and microbial storage stability studies and shelf life determinations of commercial Brazilian biodiesels stored in carbon steel containers in subtropical conditions | ResearchGate Commercial biodiesel fuels from soybean, beef tallow, and blend soybean/beef tallow were initially kept for 60 days in their original containers at the laboratory. www.researchgate.net article which reveals that fuel is prone to microbial contamination and chemical alterations. Additionally, dormant fuel in the tank may affect other systems, such as clogging the carburetor and distorting the gaskets.

It is recommended that you drain the carburetor and depress the prime bulb severally to countercheck that you have completely drained the fuel. Fill in fresh fuel and wait for thirty minutes before igniting.

Replace the Carburetor, Wire and Spark Plug

Parts maintenance is an essential concept in running engines. The Mantis tiller is no exception, and the replacement of the carburetor, wire, and spark plug can solve ignition hurdles. This may be due to the clogging of fuel lines and the carburetor. Additionally, a dirty spark plug and ignition wire may cause issues. 

Fixing Mantis Tiller That Won’t Start – One More Problem Solved!
One of the ways to fix the Mantis tiller that won’t start is to replace its parts.

You should check out the dirty fuel strainers and clean them or replace them based on their condition. Cleaning the spark plug is helpful. But if it is damaged, a replacement should be executed. You can deploy a spark plug tester to scrutinize whether the spark plug is damaged. Signs of a damaged spark plug are the accumulation of heavy carbon at the electrode or a cracked insulator. You should also ensure that the ignition wire is tight enough and replace it if damaged.

Confirm the Status of the Fuel

We mentioned earlier that dormant fuel could cause complications in your engine. Furthermore, the fuel that you feed into your machine will have an impact on its ignition performance. This includes water in the fuel or inappropriate fuel to oil ratio. Liam Critchley Trusted Source Fuel Dilution in Engine Oil - How It Happens and What It Leads To | AZO Materials Fuel dilution of the engine oil is a problem that faces many modern combustion engines. Also known as “crankcase dilution” it is a process where fuel is leaked into engine oil when it travels towards the crankcase. www.azom.com confirms that fuel dilution is a significant cause of combustion and engine complications. 

In case of such, you should drain the carburetor and fill in fresh fuel. Also, take utmost considerations on the recommended fuel to oil ratio and the adjustment of the carburetor. Confirm that the gaskets are in proper condition before igniting.

Replace the Fuel Cap

This is another solution that would provide a turnaround in your Mantis tiller start-up complications. Fuel consumption causes a rise in pressure in the gas tank. The fuel cap serves the purpose of relieving this pressure. Hence, a clogged fuel cap will not permit the entrance of air that reciprocates high pressure in the fuel tank. When the pressure goes above the engine pressure, the engine fails to start.

A clean and unclogged fuel cap will ensure that there is ample ventilation and that there is a balance in pressure in the engine. You can confirm its status by a little loosening of the fuel cap and checking whether the engine performs seamlessly. 

Check the Switch

Although it is not a point most people may consider, it is imperative to confirm whether the on/off switch is defective. Replacement should be conducted if you notice that it is difficult to turn the switch. Additionally, you can use a multi-meter to censor the continuity of the switch. Normally, the switch should have closed contact when off and open contact when switched on.

Check the Recoil Starter and Flywheel Key

A distorted recoil stater will lead to the failure of the engine. This is because it connects with the crankshaft to turn over the engine. It would be best to detach the starter assembly and countercheck whether it is in the best state. Pulling the stater ropes enables the pulley tabs and cam to grab the engine hub for it to start. After releasing the ropes, the tabs should retract, allowing the ropes to reconnect to the pulley. Replacement of the recoil starter should be conducted if the process does not occur, as explained above.

The flywheel key resembles a small metal piece fitted in the crankshaft to coordinate with the flywheel. Flywheel key complications may cause engine start-up failure. It usually breaks in half to prevent damage to the engine. You can confirm whether it is in good condition by detaching the flywheel and checking for breakages or bending.

Final Thoughts

A Mantis tiller has proven to be a superb machine in various farm operations. This is because it loosens the soil with ease which is crucial in seedling activities, weeding, among other activities. However, there are instances where the Mantis tiller won’t start due to long storage of the machine, fuel and ignition complications, and defective and damaged parts.

You should always check the status of the carburetor, wire, spark plug, flywheel key, recoil starter, among other engine parts. This will ensure that the engine is in utmost performance. Finally, always confirm the fuel and use the recommended fuel to oil ration.

References

1.
Chemical and microbial storage stability studies and shelf life determinations of commercial Brazilian biodiesels stored in carbon steel containers in subtropical conditions | ResearchGate
Commercial biodiesel fuels from soybean, beef tallow, and blend soybean/beef tallow were initially kept for 60 days in their original containers at the laboratory.
2.
Fuel Dilution in Engine Oil - How It Happens and What It Leads To | AZO Materials
Fuel dilution of the engine oil is a problem that faces many modern combustion engines. Also known as “crankcase dilution” it is a process where fuel is leaked into engine oil when it travels towards the crankcase.

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