I have a 17 hp briggs OHV on a John Deer mower that is 3-4 years old. Have to move the flywheel past the compression stroke before the starter will turn the engine. Once cranked the engine spits pops runs about half throttle then dies. Noticed that it is blowing back through the air filter. Took the cover off to look at the key in the flywheel. Looks OK but did not take the flywheel off. Any suggestions.

Has anything been done to this engine to chain its timing. B&S engines should release some compression during starting and I think your valves just aren't opening soon enough.

If the mower backfired at some time that can make a used timing chain jump. The flywheel is not the timing chain as bal mentioned here which I would go that route. How about a compression test also for ring blow by.

I would also check the starter and ignition coil for good spark and that could cause havoc here in actual running.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsRoSeyJ38o&feature=PlayList&p=3789DC1EE87C8098&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=15

Has anything been done to this engine to chain its timing. B&S engines should release some compression during starting and I think your valves just aren't opening soon enough.
I don't think anything has been done to the engine. What are the valve clearance for a 17 hp engine I will try this first. Thanks for the help

If the mower backfired at some time that can make a used timing chain jump. The flywheel is not the timing chain as bal mentioned here which I would go that route. How about a compression test also for ring blow by.

I would also check the starter and ignition coil for good spark and that could cause havoc here in actual running.

YouTube - Lawn Mower Repair Ignition Coil Test (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsRoSeyJ38o&feature=PlayList&p=3789DC1EE87C8098&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=15)

Thinks for the help I was not aware of a timing chain. Have never worked on an engine with a timing chain. How do I get to the timing chain?