Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn mower wont start, spark plug gap, lawn mower wont start

Question
I have a craftsman push lawnmower. I cant get it to start. i understand it could be the spark plug but the other day it started just fine. Today it wont start at all. If I take the air filter off there are moveable gadgets with springs that don't appear to be doing anything. It almost acts like it is closed or shut off. What do I do and is there a simple way to check.. Help.

Answer
Have you checked the shut-off switch?  The quickest test is to remove the spark plug from the spark plug hole, then re-connect the spark plug to the spark plug wire.  Place the metal tip of the spark plug against a metal engine part. Pull the string and see if spark jumps across the spark plug gap.

If there is no spark then the shut-off cable, ignition coil, or shut-off switch could be faulty.

Let me know if you have spark.  

Eric