My 1999 craftsman Model 502.270110 won't start. Engine turns over and battery is charged. I replaced the plug and gapped it @ 0.030 (manufacturer spec), cleaned (not disassembled) the carburetor with Gumout but it still won't start. I've tried starter flluid as well but no luck. When I hold the wire near the plug and turn the key, the engine turns over but there is no spark. When I remove the plug, I can see that it is a bit wet - so I know the engine's getting gas. Could it be the ignition module?

** Also, I worked on the mower last weekend and cleaned out the housing but had no luck until I put the mower in neutral and manually pushed it into my shed. Once inside, I decided to give it another go and lo-and-behold, it started up! I rode it around the yard a few times but the engine was hesitating (bucking) a bit. I let it run for a few more minutes and then shut it off. I waited a few more minutes and again, it wouldn't start. I thought that maybe moving the mower manually and pushing it over some bumpy ground may have allowed fluids to get where they needed to be and that's why it started - I'm not a mechanic but I've tried everything I know of to get this thing started. Can anyone help?

Eric

Ignition module is a high probability based on your symptoms.

Ignition module is a high probability based on your symptoms.

Where is the module located - is it beneath the housing shround connected to the spark plug wire?

Yep. The parts breakdown for the engine is here: http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/getSubComp.pd?modelNumber=143981002&productCategoryId=1503500&brandId=0247&brandDescription=CRAFTSMAN&modelName=ENGINE&diagramPageId=00001&componentDescription=ENGINE&documentId=P0103308&blt=06

Search for module.

The module MUST NOT touch the flywheel magnets. Sometimes there are issues of rust. An paper index card makes a good gapping tool.

The mower breakdown can be found on the above website too.