Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Hard start on rider with B&S Engine, blown fuse, head gasket

Question
Hello, Yes, your right. The motor mount bolts were so loose that I could see the motor vibrating. How could I have missed it, it was so obvious. I am going to go thru the whole machine and tighten every screw and bolt I see. Again, your the best! Thank you,  Lorraine-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hello, I just want to tell you my mower is UP AND RUNNING. The reason the mower steadly gotten harder and harder to start was the bolts on the head gasket were extremely loose. One bolt was completly gone. I took a compression test, was 30 LBS. I could turn the flywheel freely. I replaced the bolt that was missing, tightened others, and it started right up. Oh, and the blown fuse was caused by a wire by the key starter rubbing on the motor.  I just put electrical tape on, and tied wire away from motor. Thank you Eric, Your the best. Lorraine  
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Followup To
Question -
Hello, Since the beginning of season, my Yard Machine,MTD, has steadly been harder and harder to start with each mow. I thought it was the battery,installed new one. Tested ok. I've cleaned the Carb twice,new float and needle valve, new fuel filter twice,new air filter, flushed gas tank, new fuel line. I also sprayed linkages with cleaner. After every carb clean,when i finally got it started, I mowed,  45 minutes later,mower would sputter and stall. This last stall was a puzzler. It sputtered, I stopped, blades still turning, I turned throttle down half way, and it ran nice. 30 seconds later I put it in full  throttle thinking mower would be allright, it sputtered and stalled. While turning key to start again, I heard a tiny pop. Not knowing I had blown a fuse, I turned the key again, now dead silence. Well, put in a new fuse, turned key, popped again. Now thinking this fuse blowing is my hard starting problem,I installed a new selenoid,cause it was next to the fuse, I was under there anyway. Cleaned all wire contacts on battery, selenoid, fuse holder, ground wire, starter wire.Turned the key, fuse popped again. Aw gee.. I changed the key starter, put in new fuse, and finally engine turned over,but this time I couldn't get it started. It would sound like it was about to start, then just turn. Took spark plug off,was wet with gas. Checked gap, put back in,same thing. Now, got new spark plug, gapped, still wet with gas,no start.If your wondering why I didn't use test meters during this whole ordeal, its because I could not find a one in my area. Took cover off engine to see what Magnetron armature looked like. Was shocked to Notice flywheel and armature was rusted badly. I'm assuming cause of all the gas on plug, armature needs replacing.( I didn't check for spark yet,I need another person). Would all this rust affect the armature from working properly? This is where I left off. Now I need your help,Please? I bought a Briggs & Stratton Repair Manual. model of engine is 28T707, type 1154E1,code 000325zd I bought it new July 2000. Model of MTD is 660. Thank you! Lorraine
Answer -
Rust should not affect the spark.  I've studied magnetic induction principles and attended several factory schools and all the top technicians agree that rust has little if any impact on producing spark with the small engine applications.

I would still clean the armature/coil to ensure it is grounding properly.  

BEFORE cleaning, disconnect the small wire on the coil...it should pull off faily easy.  Now check for spark.  If you have spark the coil is good and there is a safety switch problem.

Let me know what you find.
Eric
Answer -
Briggs is pretty good about not vibrating headbolts loose...this concerns me.

Make sure you check the engine mounting bolts...use a 1/2 drive ratchet and make sure the bolts are tight.  If any of the bolts threads strip out you can replace the bolt with a smaller one, usually 5/16 inch bolt, and just put a nut on the other side of the mower frame or engine to secure it.

Loose engine mounting bolts cause excess vibration which could loosen the headbolts.

Let me know if they're loose.
Eric

Answer
One last thing...if the area where the engine mounts is greasy and dirty go get some engine degreaser and clean the area.  Once clean, check the engine mount area for cracks.  If you see cracks you can use large, heavy flat washers on the bottom side of the frame to help re-enforce the area.

Glad to hear you got it going.
Eric