Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tecumseh 15.5 riding mower, riding lawnmower, safety switches

Question
I have aMurray riding lawnmower with the Tecumseh 15.5 engine, Model # TMO 3398005 144Q845H088. My problem is I put on a new carb and started it, it started just fine, but after about five minutes it started to sputter and cut off. I tried to restart and found I wasn't getting any spark. When it cranked i had disconnected the safety switches and it started. The next day I pulled the cover and set the airgap on the coil and put the cover back on and presto it cranked right away I let it run for a few minutes and turned it off and tried to restart it and again wasn't getting any spark. At the end of letting it turn over when I stopped turning it over the engine seem to almost backfire but didn't, but only when I stopped turning it over. Any suggestions for me  or any checks I can make. Thanks in advance for your time and effort.
Clyde

Answer
Hello Clyde:

Remove the Spark Plug. 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. Can you Check the Engine Model Numbers, Please. The TMO3398005 Numbers, I can Not Locate in the Microfiche or Online. Also, Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. 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