Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Murray mower wont start, murray riding mower, jumper cables

Question
Hello, I have a 42" murray riding mower with a 16.5 hp OVH B&S engine.
Last fall the blades would not engage because I had stripped the blade nut and couldn't tighten it completely. I just replace the mandrell housing to fix that problem but over the winter the key was left in the on position and drained the battery. When I try to start it I get nothing. I then tried to start it with jumper cables and the it tries to start but the engine does not turn (crank?) at all. Do I need to replace the starter? By the way, where is the spark plug in these engines?? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks  

Answer
 Hello John:

 Replace the Battery if it will Not Turn the Engine After being Recharged. It May have a Bad/Weak Cell. Remove the Belts from the Engine Pulley. If the Engine Turns Normal, then Check the Idlers and Pulleys for Sticking and Binding. If No Difference, then have the Starter Checked and Replace if Required. If the Starter, Battery and All the Connections are Good. And if the Idlers and Pulleys are Good, then Reset the Valves. The Intake is Set at .003in - .005in and The Exhaust is Set at .008in - .010in. The Engine Compression Release May be Out of Adjustment and Resetting the Valves will Reset it Also. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Addy http://shop.briggsandstratton.com/BShopProductListingPage.asp?rsvp=0&PARENTID=0&... Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John