Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Murray Riding Lawn Mower, select shop, safety switch

Question
I have a 13 yr old Murray with a Briggs engine.  I have replaced the battery and both plugs.  The mower turns but will not catch.  How can I tell if my plugs are sparking or not?

Answer
Hello Nancy:

You can View a Breakdown of this Mower At this Site Addy; http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Lookup. Select the Model Tab. Select the OEM and Enter the Model Numbers. Now Double Click on your Model in the Results Area. Now Select Sectional View. Now Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View. The Following is an Instruction File I Made for Checking and Repairing this Problem. Wrap a Wire Around the Threads and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block Turn the Engine and See if the Plug Fires. If No, then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire  at the Control Bracket First, Check for Fire at the Plug. If Still No Fire at the Plug; Then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire at the Coil (usually requires removal of the blower housing) and Check for Fire at the Plug. If No Fire at the Plug , then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. The Coil/Ign Module to Flywheel Gap is .020in. On Some Model JD Engines, there is a Igniter that Goes Bad and Not the Coil. The Igniter is the Same as an Ignition Module. If the Plug Fires at Anytime During these 2 Checks, then a Safety Switch or Wire May be the Problem. Yes the Engine will Turn Even with a Bad Safety Switch. The Blade Safety is Usually the Cause of this. The Starter Turns and The Engine Doesn't Fire is an Indication of a Bad Coil/Ign Module or a Faulty Blade Safety Switch. The Clutch Safety Prevents the Starter from Engaging so the Mower Does Not Move when the Starter Turns the Engine. The Seat Safety is Designed to Stop the Engine if the Blades are Engaged or the Clutch Safety is Not Engaged when you Leave the Seat. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Model Numbers are Usually Located Under the Seat on a Sticker or Tag on the Body. 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John