Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs Engine, battery cables, valve clearances

Question
I have a craftsman mower with a 17.5 Briggs Model 31C707, Type Number 0230-E1.  When I try to start it the flywheel rotates and then stops.  I have had the valves adjusted and a heavy duty starter put on it.  Worked for a while and now it gets stuck.  I can turn it by hand and it feels like a compression problem.  If I take out the spark plug and turn the key the motor turns over easily.  Do you think this is a compression relief valve problem?  I can not find one in the parts breakout of my manual.

Thanks

Ricky

Answer
Compression releases on most Briggs engines is actually ground on the cam lobe and rarely fail.

Is the battery charged to 12 volts?  Have you dis-connected the battery cables and cleaned the battery post and cable ends with a wirebrush to ensure a good connection?


Are you familar with checking valve clearances?

http://faqs.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faqs.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3441&p...

http://www4.briggsandstratton.com/miscpdfs/RNT/Engine%20Specifications%20Chart_m...

Let me know if the links above help.
Eric