Very Small Engine Repair Help Needed

[HoofTrimmer]

Hi folks. I have one of those tiny mantis type tillers. You know, the dinky engine mounted just above the four tines. Used mostly for keeping the rows cleaned up.

Anyhow, I would like any and all suggestions as to getting it running again. It is loathe to start. Hate to toss it. Are they just disposable?

Give me a checklist or some things to do first if you don't mind.

Thank you!

HoofTrimmer

 

[Opus Dei]

I don't know what the engine is, nor how handy you are, but I'm guessing it's an ignition problem. And if it's run irregularly, maybe it's fuel system is varnished, and the choke is sticking. Might want to take it in for a tune-up.

 

[don24mac]

Spark Plugs should be replaced regularly. Look at it to see if it looks fouled. Old spark plugs make for hard starting.

Pull off air cleaner and see if it starts. Excessivly dirty air cleaner will cause it to run way too rich and can cause it to not start. Many air cleaners on small engines are made of sponge-type material that can be cleaned.

Was gas left in it for more than a year without stabilizer? Old gas can clog a carburator.

What kind of engine is it, and what horse power?

 

[captskip9]

You didn't say how old it is age has a lot to do with starting these little engines.
most use cheap alloy metal for rings and piston so wear starts as soon as you start them .I work on a lot of tillers but mostley just for P.M. and some of them are over 30 years old and still running strong The manf. of these small yard tools want you to buy more of them to keep them in business and they know most people won't drain the old gas at the end of the season so they dont put a drain button on the carb bowl .old gas is the biggest killer of these little engines .ounce you mix up the gas with oil it starts going bad that same day so about 30 days the stuff has lost 1/4 of the octane and the oil starts to breahkdown into sludge.ONLY MIX A GALLON OF GAS AT A TIME.I use premium gas and sinthectic oil for all my little engines it costs more but 1 or 2 pulls and it is off and running.Always poor out the old gas and run out what is left in the carb after every use (if you don't use it every week)I would say your (fill in the blank) was left with gas and it went bad so it wont start and new gas won't help because the old stuff fouled the plug .Also the little switch mounted half way up on the handle can be in the off position or be bad .just disconect it to see if there is spark with a new plug .
I know the mantis is a nice little machine but they need some loving to keep them happy .

PS I bet you don't drink the cheep stuff if you drink and this mantis likes the good stuff (fuel) to.

Skips small engine repair (perryman maryland)

 

[HoofTrimmer]

Yikes, this thing has been sitting in the shed for several years. It is probably toast. I am going to disassemble it's fuel system to degunk it. Pull the plug and clean or replace as necessary.

Should I use starting fluid? I know WD40 works like one and I have that.

It's starting to feel like a challenge but I'm not going to rebuild the whole thing. If I can't get it to run I'll just toss it.

Thanks a bunch folks,
HoofTrimmer