My mountfield 8 tractor mower which has an 8hp Briggs and Stratton engine, will not start. The engine turns over and it appears to get fuel so I suspect I am getting no spark. Any suggestions on what I should try?

Don Whyte, June 2009

Take the spark plug out, lay it on the cylinder head or other metal part of the engine, and crank the engine over. Even if you do see a spark, there's no guarantee that the plug isn't failing under compression so its always worthwhile getting a spare. If there is a spark, try a splash of fuel down the plug hole, put the plug back in and see if it fires.

John, June 2009