Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs 24HP OHV NO START, craftsman 917, valve clearance

Question
Craftsman 917.275670 with engine model# 445677 Type# 0413 Briggs Intek 24HP OHV. Will not start. Disconnected the kill wires from both coils, I have spark @ both plugs & fuel to carb, but will not fire a lick. I shot gas into carb throat & shot a little gas into both cylinders & reinstalled plugs, No effect at all. Using fresh gas for all of testing & plugs will not fire fuel. Cannot figure it out. IS there something I am missing or should try, that I have not tried? Sears has extensive wait time & do not want to have mower down all summer waiting on them. Unit is less than year old. Was running fine, shut down for break & not started since. Flywheel key good too. I have the IPL from Briggs, but not much help.

Answer
Hello John:

From your Description I Suggest you Check the Compression. You Stated you have Fire from Both Coils and Got No Reaction from the Engine when Gas or Starter Fluid is Put Directly Into the Carburetor Throat. This Means you have 2 of the 3 Components for Running the Engine (Gas and Fire to the Plugs). Compression is all that is Left. You can Reset the Valve Clearance First Off. Set the Cylinder to TDC and Set the Valve Clearance as Follows: the Intake is Set at .002in - .004in and the Exhaust is Set at .008in - .010in. Did you Remove the Flywheel to Check the Key? If Not the Key May Be Bad. The Flywheel MUST be REMOVED to Check the Flywheel Key. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John