Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs And Stratton riding mower, briggs and stratton, internal passages

Question
Well Last summer I was mowing the lawn and the lawn mower started feeling really rough and died on me. There was one very loud noise but nothing after. I can turn me key now and it will turn over but will not hit. It will turn as long as you try and start it. It is a 12.5 HP with 38 inch cut. About a 96 in year

Answer
It's hard to say what the loud noise may have been but if you left fuel in it over the winter, you will need to drain the system and thoroughly clean the carb.  Cleaning the carb means using a piece of tag wire to push through all of the internal passages, following up with carb cleaner and making sure everything is spotless.  You should also drain all of the old fuel and start with fresh fuel.  If the engine is turning over, there shouldn't be a fatal condition with the engine itself.  Once you have it running, you will have to assess if there are any further problems (loud noise issue) that need to be addressed.  Hope this helps.