I inherited a Craftsman Riding mower. It has been sitting idle for about 11 years. I changed the battery. It cranks but won't start. The filter is clean, it still has some gas in the tank, and the oil looks clean. I think it may need a new spark plug. I can seen it but I can not reach it to unscrew it. Can any tell me what do I have to remove to reach the spark plug? I am not good at fixing things. Any help you can provide would be great.

Many thanks,

Al:(

You have to dump the fuel. Make sure the fuel line valve is on if it has one. You have to check for spark. To check for spark. Lay the connected plug attached to the electrode with bottom touching a good ground. Crank, and look for the glow

The spark will not occur if a safety switch is activated.

After sitting that long with fuel in the system, the carb may have to be dissassembled and cleaned. You can try putting some carb cleaner in where the fuel line attaches.

If you spray some carb cleaner in the air cleaner or the spark plug hole and the engine attempts to start you likely have a fuel problem.

It's best to remove, examine and replace the plug. Plugs are typically buried deep and require a special socket, (a spark plug socket). This contains a piece of foam that will hold the plug once it's removed.

If you are not very talented in mechanics, carry it to a shop that gives estimates. Then they will probably have to replace the carb. Because 11yr old fuel has probably ruined the current carb. Then go from there with fresh fuel.