Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman 15.5 hp 42 Riding Mower wont start, craftsman 917, briggs and stratton

Question
Briggs and Stratton motor Model #28n707, Type#0173-01, Code#960717zd
Craftsman 917-259330 model #
I was mowing and hit a chunk of wood.  I quickly shut everything down and removed the piece of wood. I went to start and all that happened was what I believe is the flywheel just spun.  I tried a couple more times and the same thing.  I got off and walked away, not wanting to do more damage to it.  A couple of days later I went back out to try starting. Same thing, so I rotated the screen on the flywheel and tried it again with this time it started.  There was a large black cloud of smoke but everything ran fine and went ahead and mowed the rest of my back yard.  I shut it down and parked it.  A couple days later I tried starting and now I get nothing.  It clicks when I turn the ignition which I think is the starter.  I will double check the starter but pretty sure its okay.  Before I start taking this apart I prefer to know where to start.  Any ideas, please help?

Answer
Hello Eric:

Check the Flywheel Key. Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. The Flywheel Key Times the Plug Firing. Remove the Spark Plug. Is there Gas in the Cylinder? Is there Gas in the Crankcase Oil? If Yes to Either, then  Remove, Disassemble and Soak 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 Accidential Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John