Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere L100 - no spark, briggs stratton, hp engine

Question
I have a John Deere L100, Briggs & Stratton 17 HP engine which turns over fine but I detect no spark.  

I was mowing lawn, engine running fine and then slowly the engine started misfiring (and loosing power).  Kept mowing for another 5-10 minutes - misfiring seemed to get worse little by little until finally engine died and wouldn't start.  Engine turned over fine.  I removed spark plug - it was soking wet with fuel.  Waited an hour or so with plug out - and then replaced plug with brand new one (RC12..).  Still no start.  Took off spark plug wire and checked for spark... NO spark at plug end of wire.

What I really need to know is in what sequence do I check things.  The plug wire goes up into cowl that requires Torx drivers it appears.  Before I go shopping for these tools... is there a chance I can fix this thing without having it taken to fix-it shop about 20 miles away?

THANKS!

Answer
Well, it sounds like you need to do three things, and I am positive that your engine will start. 1. Replace the magnito. 2. Wet-sand the flywheel magnet. 3. Remove the flywheel, and replace the flywheel key. If the flywheel is damaged, then it needs to be machined or replaced. Hope I helped!
-Steve