Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): briggs and stratton 6.75 hp OHV hard to start, john deere push mower, briggs and stratton

Question
I have a John Deere push mower and it is very hard to start. I have got it to start one time and it back fired through the carb 2 or 3 times than smooth on out. I replaced the key in the fly wheel but no help. it has a primer bulb and I can see gas come in when i prime it. Could I have a vile problem?

Answer
A valve problem?  Could have a valve problem but I would check the carburetor first.  Is you fuel more than 30 days old?  Why did you have to replace the flywheel key?

The valves are easy to check so it would not hurt to check the valve clearance.  The link below describes how to check the valves.

http://engines.myfaqcenter.com/Answer.aspx?p_faqid=3441&body_0$tbKeyword=valve

Have you replaced the spark plug?

Let me know why you replaced the flywheel key.
Eric