Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): small engine/lawn mower, auto parts stores, spark tester

Question
ref. Push type lawn mower  Lawn boy Model 10200 6 HP  cycle, purchased new 1997
While mowing, mower started to labor, then quit. Refilled the tank, but could not get the mower to start. Put a new spark plug in, with no success. Pulled the plug, put about a spoonful of gas in the spark plug cavity, eighteen the plug, tried to start again, still no luck. Pulled the plug again, fastened the plug to the engine housing with the plug contact points within 1/8 inch of the housing. No spark noted when attempted to restart.All cables appear to be okay. Is this something that a half a  mechanic like me can handle/checking the points or whatever?
         Thanks      Fred

Answer
You need to try a inline spark tester first.  Auto parts stores have these for under ten dollars.  If there's no spark with an inline tester, remove the flywheel shroud and the coil will be exposed.  There will be a little black wire clipped to the coil.  Unplug this and see if there's a spark.  Be careful because if the engine starts, you won't be able to shut it off, you'll need to either choke it out or pull the plug wire or put that black wire back on.  So watch your feet and don't cut your toes off.

If no spark with the black wire disconnected, replace the coil.  If it does spark, then you have a fault between that wire and the shut-off lever.  The wire is grounding, the shut-off is making contact when it shouldn't, something like that.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks, PK.