Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): water in the engine, really., starter solenoid, rain snow

Question
Hi. I have a B&S 14HP engine model# 326437, type 0252-01, code 7709221. It's on a 1977 Simplicity Baron 7014 garden tractor. I picked this thing up sight unseen, and it had obviously sat unused for some time. I did some basic repairs like a new starter solenoid, battery, and cables. But my big surprise was that when I went to change the oil, out gushed a flow of water. Yep, good old H2O. It wasn't gasoline, as it had no smell. It was water. I guess someone poured water down the oil fill tube. That's the only thing I can guess. Well, using a funnel and my shop-vac on "blow" I blew all the water (and also some think oil) out of the crankcase. Quite a mess, but I think that was effective in eliminating the water. Then I filled it up with oil. I can't get the engine start, though it turns freely, and even by hand I can feel the point at which it has at least some compression. I'm wondering though if it has enough compression to actually start. Since I don't know how long the engine may have sat with water inside, I'm wondering about the implications of this on the overall health of the engine and the needed compression. Thanks for any ideas you can share.


Answer
Donald
Sounds like this tractor sat out in the rain ,snow for a while causing water to enter the engine and the carb. I would keep oil in it  for a while then drain the oil see what you get,then refill with new oil and rebuild the carb,there may be damage in the carb that wont let fuel pass to the engine. If you can get a leakdown tester test each cylinder to see if you are losing compression.