Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John deere 318 wont start, No start condition

Question
I moved and My 318 was moved by movers, it ran when they picked it up. when they dropped it off it wouldn't start. I put fuel directly in the carb and it burned the fuel. I did this a few times and gave up for a while. I had to hit it again in a few weeks. so it sat outside with a tarp over it.( its been raining a lot lately and very humid. I had the plugs out and I do have fire. I replaced the plugs and wires just to be on the safe side. I have the P218G engine.When I try turning it over now I smell gas and the plugs are real wet however all I it will do is backfire after trying for a few minutes.......Thanks for the time

Answer
Hi Chris,
Check to see if the spark plug is wet or dry.
If Wet,

Check that the spark plugs are gapped to specification.
Or if they are defective in any way.

Check the air filter.

-  Check the fuel that it is not stale.

Check the flywheel the at it is not sheared or defective.

-  Check for carb problems (ie. flooding over-priming) not set properly.

-  Check the ignition problems, wires are all securely fastened.

If Dry

-  Check fuel supply and fuel cap vent.

-  Restriction in fuel system

-  Carb problem.

Poor compression

These are some good check to help troubleshoot problem.

Howard B.