Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Cannot Start, briggs stratton, engine cranks

Question
Good morning John.

I have a 3-year old Murray rider (model 30900x8NA) with a Briggs & Stratton (model 28R707, type 1120E1, code 030731E) engine that I cannot start.

I've done what I know to do; fresh gas (and since the fuel drained through the fuel filter well, I'm assuming the filter is okay), new spark plug (gapped at 0.030), and clean air filter. I replaced the battery in September and it's fully charged.

At any rate, the engine cranks well, but doesn't give a hint at firing. (I've tried over several days starting at full choke, fast throttle, slow throttle, allowing plenty of time between attempts.) Pulling the spark plug reveals the smell of fuel.

I don't have the equipment or expertise to see if there's actually a spark.

Well, that's what (I think) I know. Do you have any suggestions for what I may have missed or should try before I call in a mechanic?

Best Regards,

Dave  

Answer
Hello Dave:

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. Go to this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (Murray) and Enter the Model Numbers (30900X8NA). Then Double Click on your Model in the Results Area. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View. 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. 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