Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Cant start my Homelite generator, briggs stratton, hp briggs

Question
I'm having trouble starting my Homelite LR5500 generator. The motor is an 11 hp Briggs & Stratton. There seems to be spark and fuel, but I can't even get it to fire after many tries. I tried starting fluid too, to rule out issues on fuel delivery. Still nothing. I find it odd that when I pull out the sparkplug, I can't detect any compression by covering the sprakplug hole with a finger. Could there be a compression release on this engine that is stuck open? Thanks in advance!

Answer
Zero Compression
The only way to know exactly what is going on is to pull the head the gasket between the head and the Black should be reusable But from what you asking it does sound more like a Broken Valve spring Or possibly a Bad Piston ring the Only way to know of either is to remove the head where the spark plug is after you take loose the head bolts dont remove them from their holes lift them off with the head itself this way putting it back on will make it easy to know where each bolt goes.
If you remove it and look while you slowly pull the starter cord if Both valves Move freely and drop without leaving a gap then you may want to have the Piston rings replaced.
If your Valves stay in an open position then you need a new Valve spring for the side that is worn.
None the less you should have at least 15PSI minimum in compression per Cyl My suspicions lead me to those 2 possible areas