Hi,

I find myself in the unfortunate position of not knowing the circumstances under when this first occurred as I was away on vacation. All I know is my Craftsman DYT 4000 with Briggs & Stratton 18.5 OHV Intek ( 31P7770348E1 from engine tag) engine has run flawlessly for the past 3 years and now I return home from vacation and it refuses to start. It turns over normally and sounds like there is compression, but the engine does not fire (no sputter or anything). I removed the spark plug and found it looked fouled with fuel. So I cleaned the plug, turned the engine over a few times to clear the cylinder and reassembled with no change. There is definitely spark from the plug. Any thoughts or ideas to check will be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hi,
First thing to check would be that the fuel solenoid is opening. Have you tried a bit of fuel in the carb? That could narrow things down if it will burn that out. Only three systems to thes engines; fuel, compression and ignition (at the right time for each.)
Manuals are here:
Manuals, Parts List & Wiring Diagrams - Briggs & Stratton
Peace,
Clarke