Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Bringgs engine not starting, snapper rider, gas plugs

Question
QUESTION: I bought a snapper rider 8 hp/319CC briggs engine from a yard sale for $25.  Battery was from 2002 so that was probably last time it ran.  I changed the oil, gas, plugs and battery just to see if it would turn over.  It does but it seems to shoot a lot of gas directly into and out of the exhaust on the side of the engine.

Do I have some type of seal broken inside the engine?

thanks,

Mark

ANSWER: It's hard to say at this point.  Do you have spark at the spark plug?  What is the mower model number?  The model number is located on a sticker, about the size of a business carb, usually located on the rear of the mower.

Let me know.
Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It did run for a short time before it started this problem thus it had to have spark.  I just rechecked and now it has no spark.  The model # is 190707 2044 01 83121412.

thanks,

mark

Answer
The engine is a 1983 model, which should have electronic ignition.  Look down near the throttle connetion on the engine, where the cable connect to the throttle plate, and see if there is one wire connected to the throttle plate.

Let me know if you find the wire.

Eric