16 HP Briggs and Stratton Engine Won't Start

I have a 16 HP Briggs and Stratton engine that will not crank, on a Craftsman riding mower. The engine model number is 310707-0136-E1. When I turn the engine I don't even hear a click, but I think I hear something up by the choke on the carburetor. When I remove the fuse I don't hear this noise so I don't think it is the fuse.

I just replaced the battery and know it is good, because I accidentally touched the other terminal with the wrench when tightening and got sparking. Where do I start looking? Starter, solenoid, ignition switch? I thought I saw where someone said to remove the cover over the starter gear to make sure it is not jammed in the flywheel and not releasing. But I thought I would hear a clicking or something but I'm hearing nothing. Can you give me some suggestions, step by step starting with the easiest?

Dan S. from St. Louis

Answers:

16 HP Briggs and Stratton Engine Won't Start

Check to make sure the seat is making a connection to the battery while sitting down. We have the same one and had that problem with grass and gunk on the top of the battery. (10/01/2008)

By Linda