Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 8 HP Briggs and Stratton mounted to Homelite Riding Lawn Mower, briggs and stratton, hp briggs

Question
I have an old Homelite Riding Lawnmower that is powered by an 8 HP Briggs and Stratton engine. The mower stopped working this year. It still has good compression but no spark. I was wondering if you could help me troubleshoot the problem. I'm thinking it could be the on/off switch or perhaps the the coils but i'm really not sure how these things work. Any help would be appreciated.

Mike

Answer
Hi Mike
You should check the flywheel and magneto for rust buildup. Clean the magnets of rust and also the contact areas of the magneto. Also if the motor has points, clean the contacts with fine grit sandpaper which will remove the glaze that would keep them from working. If you still have no spark, it could be and electrical problem with the mower itself. Hope this helps.