Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn mower problem, briggs and stratton, riding lawn mower

Question
Hi John:

I went to start my riding lawn mower and it is cranking very slowly.  I recharged the battery and it is still doing the same thing.  What seems to be my problem?  The engine is a Briggs and Stratton 16 HP model # 402707.

Thanks for your time and response.

John

Answer
Remove the plugs, and then crank the engine, the engine should turn over real fast.  If it doesn't, then you have either a weak battery,
poor connection, or weak starter.
  This time of year, the battery is the usual suspect, even if you
just charged it, it may be on its way out.  If you take it to an
auto parts store, they could load test it for you.

If all else is good, then you need to remove the cylinder heads and
remove all of the carbon, the extra carbon buildup raises the compression ratio too high for the starter to handle.