B&S 450E will not run.

[bakerjw]

I am working on a Briggs 450E on a Murray lawnmower deck for my sons girlfriend and it is kicking my backside. I've worked on a lot of small engines in my day and there are only so many things that can wrong with them.

Originally it would try to fire when the pull cord was pulled but wouldn't run.

The carb is clean.
There is spark.
The valve timing is correct.
The flywheel key is intact.

Any thoughts?

I am thinking that it might be a coil issue.

 

[tom3]

First thing I'd so is pull the spark plug, give it a good spray of starting fluid in the cylinder, put the plug back in and try to start. if it fires up for a few seconds you have a fuel problem. And always suspect bad gas or some water in the bottom of the tank.