Specifications
37
Storage MANTIS
How to Prepare Your Mantis Tiller for Restarting
Unfold the handles into an upright or extended position. Tighten the
two handle knobs (#53).
In the Spring, when you take your Tiller out of storage, remove the
spark plug. Pull the starter cord three or four times to clean oil from
the combustion chamber (Picture 4). Wipe oil from the spark plug.
Place the spark plug back into the cylinder. Re-connect the spark
plug wire onto the spark plug. Then follow the steps on page 31 to
refuel and restart your Tiller.
Again, Check the Carburettor
If your Tiller won’t restart in the Spring – or if it lacks its usual power
– the carburettor may need attention. Follow the steps on page 36
for adjusting the “H” and “L” screws (Picture 1 + 2).
Check the Spark Plug Too
If your Tiller won’t restart, or if it lacks full power, the spark plug
may be at fault. Check to see if the plug is fouled with oily black
deposits. Clean or replace it if it is (Picture 3).
Also, check whether the center electrode is rounded at the end, or
if the ground electrode is worn. If either is the case, you should
replace it with a NGK BPMR 7A spark plug or purchase one from
Mantis. Use a 19 mm or a 3/4” spark plug spanner to install it.
Adjust the plug gap .024 - .028 in (0.6 to 0.7 mm).
Caution: Do not over tighten the plug.
☞ Important Note: To avoid possible damage to the threads,
do not try to remove the spark plug from a hot aluminum
cylinder head.
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UK
Warning • Danger
Do not store in an area where fuel fumes may accumulate
and reach a flame or spark.
!
!
Warning • Danger
Always make sure the handle knobs are secure
before starting your Mantis tiller.
!
!
Storage
Each autumn – or before you store your Mantis Tiller for any long
period – be sure to take these measures:
1. Do not store your Tiller with fuel still in it. Even under ideal con-
ditions, stored fuel containing ethanol or MTBE can start to go
stale in 30 days. Since stale fuel has a high gum content, it can
clog the carburettor. This, in turn, will restrict fuel flow. When
you’re ready to store your Tiller, or will not be using it for more
than 2 weeks, drain the fuel tank completely (Picture 1).
2. Next, restart the engine to make sure no fuel is left in the car-
burettor. Run the engine until it stops. This will prevent gum
deposits forming inside of the carburettor and possible engine
damage.
3. Disconnect the spark plug cap and remove the spark plug. Use
a 3/4 inch (19 mm) spark plug wrench. Pour about a teaspoon
of clean, two-stroke oil through the spark plug hole into the
combustion chamber (Picture 2). Slowly pull the starter cord
two or three times to coat the inside of the cylinder wall.
4. Inspect the spark plug and, if necessary, clean it. If you need
to replace it buy a NGK BPMR 7A or purchase one from
Mantis.
5. Install the spark plug, but leave the spark plug cap discon-
nected (Picture 3).
6. Clean the air filter as described on Page 10.
7. Clean dirt, grass, and other materials from the entire machine.
8. Wipe the tines with oil or spray them with WD-40, to prevent
rusting.
9. Oil the throttle cable and all visible moving parts (do not
remove the engine cover).
10. Check the grease level in the worm-gear housing, as
described on page 35.
11. Order new parts to replace any that are badly worn or broken,
just contact us at Mantis. But do it early, so you’ll have the
parts well before the next gardening season starts.
12. Store you Tiller – in an upright position – in a clean, dry place.
You can store with the handles in an extended position or fold-
ed down (Picture 4).
13. To fold the handles, follow these easy steps: Loosen the han-
dle knobs (#53), fold the handles forward. Tighten knobs
securely. Your handles are now folded and ready to store in a
smaller area (Picture 5).
14. Do you have fuel left over from last season? Dispose of it pro-
perly. Buy fresh oil and unleaded petrol next season.