I have a Briggs 14 hp riding mower that will not start. I had carb problems. I fixxed that and changed the oil. I started once and ran fine. Then I stopped and tried to restart. I now get a click and sometimes a very slight turn. It almost seems like a battery but I have jumped it with no luck?! In the past it has done this but, after a pop or two it would turn and start. Could it be the starter? Help please... Mower still parked in the front yard, wife parked on rear...

ballengerb1

Chances are pretty good your starter has developed a short. If jumping only produces a slight turn with clicking, I think its cooked.

r_bob1

I it posible to test it? If so how. I have volt meter and normal hand tools. Thank you.

r_bob1

It was locked with fuel after I replaced the needle valve. It gave me a scare!

ballengerb1

You mean the fuel drained into the crank and filled the block stopping the engine from turning over, right. Same thing happen to me last fall. Be sure to flush the block out several times with oil to get out all of the gas.

r_bob1

Yes and no - I only added about a cup of gas so it would not flood the oil. It was enough gas to cause the piston to "lock" in the cylinder due to compression. Then starter would not turn the engine. I removed the spark plug and turned the engine by hand to clear the fuel. Then it was back to normal. But you are correct that gas can... and has gone into the oil. Then the oil must be changed! Thank you, I very easily could have missed or not known about the problem.
r_bob