Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Engine Will Not Start, briggs and stratton, elbow grease

Question
Eric,

Thanks again for your help.  Yes, this is the first time that I've run the mower this year.  I had not done anything as far as tuning it up so that is why I sent the follow up just to make sure I didn't have any kind of a major problem.  I changed the oil and there was a lot of gas mixed with the oil that came out of the engine.  A large amount of gas also poured out when I removed the spark plug.  I put in new oil, new filters, and a new spark plug, cleaned out the carb and it started like a champ.  It smoked a bit, but cleared up after I let it run for a while and when I checked, there did not appear to be any gas mixed in with the oil.  I thought I would change the oil again before I start cutting with it just to make sure there is no gas residue in there.  Looks like I'm back in business with just a bit of elbow grease and a few bucks for normal maintenance stuff.

Jim

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Followup To
Question -
Eric,

Thanks for the info.  I cleaned all the cable ends and now the mower will start.  I am now having another problem.  After the mower ran for a bit there appeared to be oil dripping from the exaust pipe.  Any suggestions?  Thanks.

Jim

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Followup To
Question -
Eric,

I have a Briggs and Stratton engine that will not start.  When I turn the key, the engine will turn very slowly (maybe 3/4 to a full turn) and then nothing.  I have replaced the battery but that did not help.  The engine does not appear to be locked up because I can manually turn it.  My next step was going to be replacing the starter but thought I should get an expert opinion first.  Here are the details of my engine.

Model:  313707
Type:  0162 E1
Code:  010216ZE

Any advice is greatly appreciated.  
Answer -
Starters are expensive and rarely fail...I can't remember the last starter I had to replace.

Many, many times this problem is caused by dirty battery terminal/cable ends.  Dis-connect  the battery, clean the battery terminals and the cable ends with a wire brush.

Re-connect the battery. Remove the spark plug, crank the engine for a few seconds to see if it cranks.

Re-install the spark plug and crank engine.
Let me know what happens.
Eric
Answer -
There is probably just some oil in the cylinder.  Is this the first time you used the mower this year?

Let me know.
Eric

Answer
Keep an eye on your fuel and oil level.  Sometimes old gas can cause the inlet needle not to properly seal, which leads to gas leaking into the oil.

If your gas tank is empty everytime you use the mower this indicates the carburetor inlet needle is not sealing; you will also smell gas in the oil.

I've had customers run Sea Foam through there engines and claimed they ran better.  Sea Foam is a fuel conditioner product sold at many auto parts stores.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Eric