Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Murray mower wont start, twin cylinder engines, murray riding mower

Question
I have a 1996 19 hp murray riding mower with a briggs and stratton motor.I blew a head gasket so I replaced and took it for a ride I work fine for abot ten minutes so I turn it off and I won't start anymore I have spark compression an gas to the cylinders. My spark is kind of not very bright I try to start it and it cranks but it wont go I am wondering if there is some kind of kill switch (I try to start it with the kill switch on and off and either way it turns and I have spar compression and gas to the cylinders any help wilkl be appreciated

Answer
Hello Cid:

1- I Suggest you Check the Valve Clearance Again. I have had this Happen a Few Times with the OHV Engines. Not as Much now as when they First came on the Market. The Following is a Basic File I made for Setting the Valve Clearances. Any Input is Appreciated. **I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center on the Compression Stroke When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Using a Blade Style Feeler Gauge, Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .007in - .009in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke.** If you Remove the Valve Cover and then Turn the Engine by Hand, you can Watch the Intake Valve Movement. When the Intake Valve Closes, the Piston will Just Starting the Compression/Power Stroke. On Some Engines you can Us a Straightened Coat Hanger and Feel the Piston. Be Careful and Dont Jam the Wire in the Cylinder. Usually the Piston will Push the Wire Out of the Spark Plug Hole with No Problems. 2- Is the Engine Turning Over Correctly? What happens if you Pour a Small Amount of Gas (1oz) into the carburetor Throat or Use Starter Fluid when Starting the Engine?Check the Coil. The Following is a Basic Instruction File I Made for Checking the Coil/Ign Coil/Magnetron on Small Engines. Any Input is Appreciated. **To Check the Ign Coil; Remove the Spark Plug/s. Wrap a Wire Around the Threads of the Plug and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block. Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). The Wire that is Connected to the Coil/Ign Module from the Shut Off Switch needs to be Removed (unplugged) from the Coil/Ign Module. Now Check for Spark at the Plug. If Spark, then the Shut Off Switch or the Wire is Bad. If Still No Spark, then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. If there are Safety Switches on this Unit and the Coil is Good; you Need to Check the Safety Switches for Being Bad Also.** If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John