I Have A Murry Rider with a B&S 12 Hp Moter. Got it out for spring and it's not wanting to start. I changed the plug, oil and it has new gas. The battery has been recharged, but isn't holding that charge real well, but well enough. I cleaned the carb, and everything else I can think of. The ignition will spin the engine, but it won't fire. I took the plug out and (with the plug connected) turned to ignition. There was no ark on the spark plug, and I could smell gas moving through the system.

Since the plug isn't getting a spark, I'm assuming its electrical at some level, but I don't know how/where to check next. Or does it just need to go to the shop?

Any Ideas? Instructions?

Thanks

I would first double check your battery connections. Then I would chceck safety/cutoff switches. The majority of the no start problems with these units are because of the safety interlock switches. They can become bent and or wedged, sometimes even insulated by grass or other material. I would check the swicth under the seat, the neutral switch and the mower disengaged switch that they are free moving.

Good Luck,
Morrowrj

You can isolate the ignition by removing the black wire that comes from under the flywheel and fan shroud. It will terminate at the carb. When you isolate the wire you should have spark, if not the coil could be bad.
Battery failure is common on riders, you should invest in a maintainer.

Morrowrj is correct and I would give positive rating but system says "spread ratings around" Sorry
Don

Maybe the plug is defective.
Try dipping the end tip of the plug in gas, or dripping a few drops right in though plug hole.
Just because your battery is starting it may still not have enough to crank.

Thanks Everyone. As usual, The simplest solution is the right one. The battery had enough power to spin the engine, but not spin it and fire the spark plug as well.

New battery, started right up.

omordha