Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman LT 1000 B&S 17 HP, briggs and stratton, hp briggs

Question
Eric good day Sir

Thank you for taking my question. My craftsman LT 1000 17 HP Briggs and Stratton has recently given me fits starting. I know its not the battery its charged up, it seems like there is not enough juice going to the starter to turn the fly wheel to start the mower. The flywheel turns a few revolutions and then locks up i guess from compression. I removed the spark plug to see if it was getting a spark (tried old and new pug) but saw no spark. Do i need to replace the starter and the magneto, what about the solenoid. The last time it ran it seem to run fine just cant get it running again. How do you replace the magneto?

Answer
First, remove the battery and have it load tested at you local auto parts store.  Most parts stores will do load test the battery for free.

Second, before you re-connect the battery, clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a wirebrush.  Once clean re-connect.

Ignition coils have nothing to do with starter problems.  Load test the battery and clean the connection first.  Let me know what happens and then we can tackle other issues after you get the starter issue solved.
Eric