Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Engine will no longer turn over, drive pulley, engine oil

Question
Hi John,
I have a Craftsman riding mow with a 15Hp engine,
#28N707. While mowing, it began sputtering and quit. The starter would not turn it over.
I pulled the cooling shroud and put a socket on the flywheel nut and was able to turn it through it's cycle, but it is too tight for the starter to crank it over. Could this be a seized piston,
burned bearings, or something even worse?
The code is:9310084A so I think it is a 1993.
Do not know if it is even worth repairing.
Will appreciate any advice.

Answer
 Hello Ben:

 Did the Engine have Plenty of Oil in it? Remove the Belts from the Engine Drive Pulley. Remove the Spark Plug and Pour some Engine Oil Into the Cylinder and Turn it with your Wrench a few Rotations. Did the Engine Free Up? If it Does, then Replace the Plug and Try to Start the Engine. If it Turns but wont Start, then Check the Compression. Compression is 70 minimum. If it Doesnt, then it May be the Connecting and the Crankshaft have been Damaged. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John