Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs and stratton 13.5, briggs and stratton, shear pin

Question
I have a two year old riding mower with a Briggs and Stratoon 13.5.  It will turn over, but it will not crank. I think it might have been running rough when I first noticed it and now it will not crank at all.  I did smack a brick when I was mowing, but it didn't seem to bother anything for awhile after.  Now it just spins, but will not crank.

Answer
Sid, you could have actually damaged the flywheel shear pin. Hitting the brick might have partially torn the key, and it just finished shearing. You have to begin with the basics, check for spark. Remove the spark plug, ground it with the wire attached and see if a strong blue spark jumps the electrode. Check for proper fuel distribution to the cylinder, is the spark plug wet or dry? If spark is present try a quick shot of starting fluid in the air filter, if it fires and then dies it,s not pulling fuel.......... Try these first and let me know, then we will go from there........Tom