[captainhastings]

I bought the 2 stroke tiller a couple of months ago.
The first time I started it there was no issue 4 pull and away. But as I haven't had that much work for it I have just been starting it every couple of weeks and giving it 10 minutes digging. But each time it has got slower to start.
Today then now I have started my second plot and have some work it wouldn't start at all.
It seemed flooded the air filter was wet with fuel and so was the plug. I have tried drying it out and leaving the plug out for a while but no luck.
I have ordered the Handy Item Kit SV-4 2-stroke from mantis but in the mean time I am worried about stale fuel sat in the carb is there any way to drain it off ? or wont that be an issue.
The kit contains a filter and plug so hopefully that will get it going again 

[Headgardener22]

Personally, I've never had an issue with leaving fuel in the tiller unused over a long period of time.

The way that I start it (and it seems to work) is:

Pump 6 times
Full choke and pull the starter until it fires (it doesn't start at this time)
Halve the choke, and put a little throttle.

This time it will start at the 1st or 2nd pull. Use the throttle to keep it going and run it for a short while. Then close the choke and use the tiller.

[captainhastings]

Pretty much what I have been doing I have noticed it slow to turn off a couple of times I wonder is the on off is suspect ?

[Eblana]

I have a 4 stroke and have had the same problem this year.  I have left it with two repair shops and neither could find the problem.  I like head gardener can only start mine if  I engage the throttle while pulling the cord.  A bit awkward but it works.

[captainhastings]

Yes I did try that I might mix some fresh fuel and have another go tomorrow while I am waiting for the parts

[captainhastings]

typical just went out the shed disconnected the on off where it joins up half way down and reconnected and it start. Ran out of fuel promptly as I had drained the tank earlier. I will get fresh fuel tomorrow and try again to see how it is

[Growster...]

They are a bit 'precious', Cap.

So does it start to get interested after the customary dry pulls, before you pop the choke down?

I often forget to slip the handle switch to 'go', but even then she starts pretty well...

Sounds like a fuel blockage situation to me, but I really am not an expert!

[captainhastings]

Box of parts came today so nice quick delivery.
Changed plug and air filter mixed up some fresh fuel and it started second pull no problem.
Lots of parts in the bag every thing you need apart from a fuel filter not sure why they wouldn't include one of them.
Looks like the old girl just needed bit of tlc

[Swed]

You may still have trouble with your 2-stroke Mantis. It seems that the carburetor membrane ages unevenly. There seems also to be some kind of problems with alkylat gas and low octane unleaded petrol.

I've had to change the membrane on mine once and on a friends once - both Engines have not been used much up to the Point of membrane problems...

Your local Mantis dealer should be of good assistance/help.
Our local dealer in Sweden is Alutema Ltd:
http://www.mantis.se/sidor/h_om_alutema_110127.html

[3 allotments]

You may still have trouble with your 2-stroke Mantis. It seems that the carburetor membrane ages unevenly. There seems also to be some kind of problems with alkylat gas and low octane unleaded petrol.

I've had to change the membrane on mine once and on a friends once - both Engines have not been used much up to the Point of membrane problems...

Your local Mantis dealer should be of good assistance/help.
Our local dealer in Sweden is Alutema Ltd:
http://www.mantis.se/sidor/h_om_alutema_110127.html

have a look at this topic  had a  problem with mine i did this and its now working hope this helps http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=8922.0