Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere L110 w/ 17.5 kohler, john deere l110, fri

Question
I used mower 2hrs Fri. worked perfect. Cranked up for 1 min. Sat. ran very funny. now will not start, backfires during spinning over, I think out of carb. I have tried starting fluid, nothing happens, the spark plug is firing when I ground it to metal. pls help.

Answer
 Hello Sam:

 Check the Engine Compression. From your Description it Sounds like the Valve Lash (Clearance Between the Rocker Arm and the Valve Stem) has Moved and is Out of Adjustment. This would Account for the Backfiring Through the Carburetor. The Intake Valve is Set at .004in - .006in and the Exhaust is Set at .010in - .012in. Hope this Helps I am here if you Require more Assistance. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John