I have aa Intek 17.0 hp on a Scotts S1742 riding mower. When I turn the key some kind of fluid squirts out the rihjt side near the oil dip stick. The motor doesn't turn over it just shoots out this fluid.It looks as though there is a fitting with nothing attached to it. What is my problem?

This is a guess , could be your oil drain.. not sure.
But pull spark plug and see if it cranks ,crankcase could be full of fuel.gas may have leaked through carb ans mixed with the oil.This would keep it from cranking.
Luck