Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Merry Tiller Titan non-starter, merry tiller, table spoons

Question
Thanks for your reply yesterday. The numbers on the engine block are 130202  0254-01  7002097. I did what you suggested (put oil in spark plug hole) and it still did not star, in fact it made it very difficult to pull the engine rope start. This Tiller is probably a 1969 model and as I said before has been working with a few starting problems. My neighbour has given it to me because it stopped working last season and he thought I might like to see if I could get it to start. I am not sure if fuel is actually getting into the cylinder head since if I pull the starter numerous times I would have expected the machine to flood therefore making the plug very wet, however on removing the plug shortly after it was found to be dry.

Answer
 Hello Chris:

 The Difficult to Pull is Good. That means the Rings are Fairly Good then. Is the Spark Plug Firing? If yes, then Remove the Air Filter and Pour a Small Amount of Gas (2 table spoons) and Try to Start the Engine. What Happens? If the Engine has Fire, Gas and Compression, then the Flywheel Key May be Damaged. The Flywheel Key Times the Firing of the Plug to the Proper Position of the Piston During the Compression/Power Stroke. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Addy http://shop.briggsandstratton.com/BShopProductListingPage.asp?rsvp=0&PARENTID=0&... and ENter the Model Numbers 130202 and the Type Numbers 0254 and Click Search. Then Select View PDF. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John