Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs and Stratton starting problem, briggs and stratton, vertical shaft

Question
Dear Marc,

We have a 3-year-old garden tractor with a B & S vertical shaft, electric start, 16.5 hp engine.  Two days ago it was running fine at higher engine speeds but it surged at low or idle speed.  Bought new battery (old battery wouldn't hold charge).  New battery installed but tonight engine turns 1.5 revolutions and then seems to jam.  We can manually rotate the engine backward 1.5 turns, then problem repeats itself.  Do you know what's likely to be wrong?  Can you advise about DIY repair?

Thank you so much for your time!

Answer
Sounds like you may have an issue with debris under the inlet needle in the carb.  Try removing the spark plugs and see if the engine turns over (make sure you keep the plug wires away from the spark plug holes as gasoline may spurt out of them).  If the cylinders are loaded with fuel, the carb will need to be taken off, inspected for debris and/or wear on the inlet needle, float problem, etc. and corrected.  Hope this helps.