Mantis tiller 2 cycle seemed as if it was running out of gas

Hi anon, if it's starting your 2/3rds of the way there. You have fuel and spark. Try and clean the air filter first and if that fails to keep it running then check that the choke isn't staying out. If all thats ok then it may be the carb gaskets.

The carb jets are clogged, it will have to be removed and soaked in carb cleaner. Sometimes that will not work either, and the carb will have to be replaced. Reason is, some of the carb passages are as fine as a human hair, so it's hard to get gunk and bad/dried gas deposits out.

You could try running something called Sea Foam (mixed in the gas)from Walmart through the tiller for a while, that MAY help somewhat.

disassemble the carb and see if the float valve is sticking. it should slide up and down very freely

carb may need work but change the air filter possible not letting thru air

Sounds like it's flooding either from over choking or the inlet needle in the carb is leaking. Have you removed the plug and blown out the cylinder and plug with air and then tried to restart? Be careful not to keep cranking with the choke pulled out. When it 'hits' ONE time, move the choke halfway in and crank again

What kind of engine is it ? Does it have a float carburetor or diapram carburetor ?

Your quickest fix for this problem is to simply replace the carburetor, a Zama K54A. Do it all the time. After that, if you can find a 2 cycle oil, Opti-2, it's the best you can use and it's a one mix for all your 2 cycle equipment (blowers, trimmers, chainsaws, etc.) It's the only 2 cycle I sell in my shop.

Make sure all of your bolts are tight, especially the ones on the carb. If so you will need to clean the carb.

This could be one of several problems...
• Last year's fuel. Get some fresh gas.
• Every 2-stroke needs a new spark plug each year... you know what that means.
• Clogged carb jets due to storing the tiller over the winter with fuel in the system. Never, ever do that. Now you'll need to pull the carb apart and clean it. Most of the orifices are so tiny you can't see them. Good luck.
• Engine is so old the crankshaft seals have hardened with age. This is one reason no 2-stroke lasts longer than about 8 years. If the seals are shot, then it will cost more to fix than a new one costs. Time to toss it.

this is a two cycle with a walbro carb - probly need to remove carb to flush and put new diaphrams in