Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs Stratton Lawnmower, briggs stratton, starter cord

Question
I have a 3.75hp Briggs & Stratton lawnmower. Model: 98902; Type: 0314/01 Code: 94102552

It starts but blows white smoke and sometimes squeals once started. The starter cord also does not feed back once it has been started. This began when I was running the mower over a section of my yard where there was ivy and it stalled.

Any ideas as to what I need to look at. I'm a new homeowner so I'm just beginning with all of these maintenance things, so be as basic as necessary.

Thank you for your time and help.

Answer
I will be very basic.  I am very good at "dumbing it down!"  Just look at my picture in the profile and you will see I am not operatin with all my marbles anyway.  My first suggession as always would be to quit growing ivy.  I hate that stuff.  It makes you itch and you can actually end up in the hospital with it.  Burn it!!!!  The white smoke and squealing coming from your mower is because the mower is scared.  Do you have a red mower?  That is probably because he has caught the "IVY" disease.  You may try rubbing to campophenique (pronounced like I spelled it, but spelled wrong) on the mowers frame.   Your mower will love you for it.  The starter chord is hanging out, because it is the only thing on the mower that it can itch itself with.  How would you like to have an itch with no arms.  Let me know if that helps.  If not give me a ring again and I will help as always.

Cletus Edmond