I have a 2cyl Mantis that has a problem. The pull cord pulls very hard. When I take out the plug the engine turns over ok. Was ok at the end of the last season, I drained it and put oil in cyllinder. What now?

The Mantis has a speed controlled automatic clutch.

Lower the idle speed by turning the idle screw counter clockwise. The idle screw is attached where the throttle cable meet the carb. The screw has a pointed end that resembles a pencil point.

The engine speed should be adjusted just above stalling.

If the tines turn even when the engine pull rope is pulled, the the clutch is defective and needs repairing.
j

all of the mantis tiller manuals can be found here:
http://mantis.com/mantis-owners-manuals.asp
just pick out the appropriate one and away you go.

as far as starting it goes, make sure the switch is set to "I" and not "O" (top handle.) be sure you have gas in it, pull out the choke knob (front of the tiller) and depress the bubble once. pull the engine cord until the machine tries to start, then push in the choke and pull again - the engine should start within a couple of pulls. let it warm up before you try to do any tilling, and you're good to go!

First, call Mantis and get their advice. It may be covered under warranty (I believe it comes with a 2 year warranty). If not under warranty remove the spark plug and try to pull the starter rope. If you can pull it out squirt a little 2-cycle oil in to the spark plug hole and pull it out several times before reinstalling the plug. Then try to start it again. If you can't pull it out after removing the plug try removing the engine cowl that contains the starter rope and see if you can pull it out then. If you can't then there is something wrong with the starter rope mechanism. Try some oil or Liquid Wrench on the spring to see if you can free it up. If you can then the piston may be seized. Again, squirt a little oil ni the spark plug hole. Take a ratchet wrench and socket to put on the crankshaft nut. Try to turn it. Do not apply to much force. I would send it back to Mantis for repair or replacement unless you are mechanically proficient enought to take the engine apart. If you have been using the correct fuel/oil mixture this should not happen.

Remove the starter assembly from the side of the engine. Remove the balance of the old cord from the spool and purchase about 1-meter of replacement cord from a saw shop (it should be nylon, not cotton). Insert the new cord into the center slot/hole in the spool, melt the end, and tie an overhand knot. Wind the cord around the spool several turns in the same direction as the old cord, then pull on the cord to wind the return spring inside the spool. Wedge the spool to prevent rewinding, then continue to wind the cord until about 8-10 inches are left. Feed the cord end through the cord port and into the handle. Melt the cord end, then tie an overhand knot and pull the knot back into the cavity in the handle. Remove the spool wedge and test the pull of the cord--it should pull out smoothly and return fully without slack. Hope this helps!

Check spark plug gap and functionality of throttle. I all is OK it could be flooded. If flooded. Remove spark plug and pull cord a helf a dozen time to clear it out. Replace plug with correct gap and start her up! Gap is .035-040 inches. If you don't have a guage, 40 thou is about 1/6".

PULL SPARK PLUG OUT AND TRY PULLING?

Replacing the spring on this tiller can be tough. You have to get the tension spring set into the stop and partially wind the tension (by turning the cord pulley) and THEN attach the cord before completing winding the tension spring. It took me about an hour to figure out how much preset of tension was needed before I was able to get it to work. You have to partially preset tension because starting from zero will not fully rewind the cord.

Good job on the cord replacement. Most people take the cover off the spring and then find out it is nearly impossible to get the spring tension set. I have personally repaired dozens of these cords that have been messed up by owners that did that.
If anyone has this problem, just do what this post says...remove the assembly and turn the pulley until you can get to the part of the cord that is broken...grab the end that is broken after you get it out of the opening with a vise grip and pull the cord out fully and lock the recoil spring with a vise or vise grip (but don't crush it)...then replace the cord and hold the end of the cord pull fully extended and remove the lock and allow the spring to recoil...and reinstall the assembly.
Simple, but THINK before you take the housing apart. It is REALLY TOUGH to reset spring tension properly.

OOOPS...this sounds bad, like a locked up motor. If it is a 2 cycle engine it is especially bad...and it probably is toast. Take it to a shop and have someone check it out, but doesn't sound good..Sorry