Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 18 HP briggs riding mower wont start, hp briggs, plug gaps

Question
My mtd mower quit running.My question is should there be a magnetic pull at the magneto? I checked plug gaps seems ok,seems to be no spark.I removed top of mower and removed some rust from flywheel.I may of set magneto to far from flywheel but I do not feel a magnetic pull at coil.It will turn over but does not spark.Seems that I have to cover the carb in order to get it started so I know carb needs adjusted as the choke does not quite close it completely.I know it had new plugs last year and thought that atleast a bit of spark should be seen when I remove plug,place in wire and turn it over.Is my magneto shot or is it a difeerent problem? Any help would be nice.

Answer
If there is only one small wire connected to the coil, dis-connect it.  Remove the spark plugs and check for spark by grounding the metal end of the spark plug to the engine.

If you have spark then the coil is fine and you have a safety switch or other wiring problem.

The magnet is on the flywheel.  As for the gap, .010-.015 is the specification.  
Let me know if you have spark with the small wire dis-connected.
Eric