Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): tecumseh 17.5 hp, flywheel, spark plug

Question
My mower will turn over fine without the spark plug in, but with it in it will crank over for a seconds, then stop, then crank. It will just repeat this cycle without starting. I checked the key and it is intact. Could it be a timing issue even though the key is intact? Model #OHV175 DOM: 2000

Answer
yea it could be a timing problem and it could also be valves but the first thing I would check is the battery to make sure it is holding a charge if it is I would start by looking at timing which all you have to do is pull of the flywheel to make sure the key is not sheared thanks and let me know how you make out