Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): murrary, briggs and stratton, keyswitch

Question
i have a murrary riding mower with the briggs and stratton 17.5 ohv engine. i cant get it to start. the battery is good and the mower will turn over. the starter is engaging and turning fine. when i last used it backfired when i shut it off and it fowled the spark plug. i changed the plug and now t want start. i pulled the new plug out and i dont think it is getting fire. the plug is clean and smells of gas ans was wet with gas when i pulled out after several attempt of starting it. i have checked all that i know to do. i beleave somehow there is no fire getting to the plug because i checked and there is no spark.  thanks for any advice you may have.. terry

Answer
Hi Terry,

Remove the spark plug, reconnect the wire and lay it against the engine head.  Crank the engine over and watch for spark at the plug's electrode. If no spark, then there may be a problem with a safety switch, the keyswitch or ignition coil.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael