Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B & S Lawn mower wont start, briggs stratton engine, briggs stratton

Question
Hi John,
Our Craftsman 6.5 lawn mower with a Briggs & Stratton engine won't start now after sitting for a couple of months this summer during the dry weather.  My husband had changed the spark plug before the weather got dry.  We've tried draining/changing the old gas and changing the new spark plug for another.  Oddly enough, we borrowed my mom's mower (same type), and it won't start either.  She had tune-up before the dry weather as well.  Any suggestions?  Thanks! Sandy

Answer
Hello Sandy:

Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine and the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Here are some Diagnostic Instructions to Do on the Mower to Locate the Hard/Not Starting. Check the Spark. If Not Firing, then Replace the Plug. If the Plug is Firing, then First, Pour a Small Amount of Gas Into the Carburetor Throat with the Throttle at Full. With the Throttle Still at Full, Try to Start the Engine. If the Engine Starts and Quits, then Make Sure the Gas is Free Flowing to the Carburetor. If the Gas is Free Flowing, then Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl, Float Pin, Float and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. If No Fire at the Plug, then Remove the Coil Shut Off Wire from the Kill Switch at the Engine Stop/Brake Bracket (where the End of the Stop/Brake Cable Attaches at the Engine). Check for Fire. If No Fire, then Remove the Blower Housing and Remove the Ground Wire from the Coil. Check for Fire. If Still No Fire, then the Coil is Bad. If there is Fire at the Plug and If there was No Response from the Engine When the Gas was Poured Into the Carburetor Throat, then Check the Compression.  If the Compression is Good; the Carburetor has Been Soaked and Cleaned and the Plug is Firing, then Check the Flywheel Key. If the Key is Damaged, then the Plug Firing is Incorrect to the Position of the Piston During the Compression (Power Stroke). You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (Briggs and Stratton) and Enter the Model and Type Numbers (first 4 digits Only). Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine 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