Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 16 1/2 HP Briggs and Straton lawn mower engine, hp briggs, volt light

Question
When I try to start my mower it won't turn over. It acts as if there is a compression lock. I think the decompression mechanism may be sticking closed. Any quick fix for this problem? Engine is in a 2004 Murry tractor.Adjusted valves. No help Thank you  

Answer
Hi James,

First, I would eliminate a battery or starter issue.  Follow my no-crank proceedure below and let me know what you find.    

Michael

I would check the starter first.  Jump the positive battery terminal to the starter and it should crank over. If so, skip to step 2.
If not, jump from a battery that you know is good, from a car.  If still nothing, the starter is bad.  If good, then the mower battery is weak.  

Step 2.
If the starter and battery are good, you will need to trace the entire circuit from the starter to the battery.   The solenoid, switches the battery power to the starter, when power from the key switch is sent to the small terminal on the solenoid. To test the solenoid, first make sure that you have power at its large terminal which comes from the battery. Then jump power from that terminal or the battery positive post, to its small terminal. You should hear a click and the other large terminal that feeds the starter should be energized. If not, then the solenoid is bad. If good, then continue tracing the power through the key switch to the battery until you find the break in the power path.   All testing can be done with a 12 volt light or a voltmeter.