I have a 9-year old MTD with B&S 17hp (model = 42A707, type = 2238E1, code = 8115A). Starter will turn the engine over to the compression stoke and then stop. Have tried new battery and jumping it from running automobile and same thing.

Removed one of the spark plugs and it turns over fine. Replaced plug and removed muffler. Would not turn over.

Noticed some fuel coming from one of the exhausts and one of the spark plugs was flooded. So I tore down the carb and made sure the float valve was clean and all working properly. Put back together, removed both spark plugs, cranked it for a while to clear out any fuel in the cylinders. Put the plugs back in and still won't turn over. (Although it doesn't seem to be flooding like it was.)

Saw several answers to similar questions referring to adjusting the valves; however, I'm not sure this engine has such valve adjustments (I haven't figured it out any way).

Saw another person had an identical situation and his started working after draining crank case. This is something I need to do anyway so I'll try that tomorrow. Just not sure why that would fix this :confused:

It certainly seems like something is allowing the compression to get to high. Any other ideas out there?

I guess it has been longer than I thought since I changed the oil. :o Drained it and refilled and now it cranks up just fine.

You had too much oil (and possibly gas from it being flooded) causing too much crank case pressure, it's a common mistake