Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman riding mower wont start, briggs stratton engine, briggs stratton

Question
Craftsman riding mower,12.5 HP 42" model 917.255430, Briggs&Stratton engine - mod. no. 286707, type no. 0441-01. Mower first stopped running while mowing yard. Engine was running fine then it coughed, engined wound down till it stalled, died and would not restart. Replaced carb. with new one, as old carb was full of rust and trash and beyond repair. As told to me by lawn mower mech. Mower still will not start! Batt. good, gets good spark at plug, plug good, engine turns over fine, fuel line and fuel filter new, what could it be?  

Answer
 Hello Philip:

 Check the Compression. Sounds like a Blown Headgasket. 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 2867-7 and the Type Numbers 0441. Click Search. On the Next Page Scroll Down to the 2nd Listing and Click View PDF. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John