By the way, the pop that I am hearing is only occasional. There is no burn. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have.

Do you have a nice blue spark when turning over? What happens if you hit it with a shot of carb cleaner down the carb? Will it start then? When you figure which you don't have, spark or fuel, you can go further in troubleshooting.

I can't find an IPL for a 28E7xx.
Is that correct? What's the TYPE number?

Does it seem to have compression as it cranks? BTW, what did happen after you put a shot of carb spray down the throat of the carb? That will tell a lot. If it doesn't seem to be a fuel system problem- it is worth a look to peak under the valve cover- the gasket probably leaks anyways. Look for a loose rocker stud, bent push rod kind of thing. If all is ok, tossing a coil on it is a good guess. Or, it could go into the shop.

The Owner's Manual says "Model Series 28E700" followed by "I/C Model Series 287700, 28N700." I had to put in 287700 on briggsandstratton.com in order to pull up any part information.

Thanks for all your input. I'll try the carb cleaner this weekend, and see how that goes. I'll keep you posted.

Apparently, it's an OHV engine, which is what I was trying to determine.
You still haven't answered the questions about-
Do you have a good spark?
What's the TYPE number?

Model 287707
Type 022501

I put the old spark plug in and left the new one plugged into the cable to check for a spark. I do seem to have a good spark.

I also have compression when it cranks.

I also removed the air filter and sprayed carb cleaner into the throat of the carburetor -- still no change.

Does this now signal a fuel problem?

You should be at least getting some type of "pop"
I'd first try dribbling a couple teaspoons worth of gas in the carb throat and see what happens.

IF that doesn't work, I'd remove the valve cover and look for something wrong in the valve operation.
Every 2 revolutions of the engines, each valve should go through an open/close cycle.
There might be something obvious though, like a broken push rod or ???

The same thing is happening to me, same motor.

I am not with the mower, my wife is phoning in diagnostics for me and everything seems to be working perfectly, sparks, squirts, and will run for a sec on starter fluid.

I have never done anything about the kill switch mentioned above.

I (she)has found what looks like a sensor hook-up with settings on it like "no open" labled.

Any Ideas?

If it runs for a moment on starting fluid then-
The carb Main Jet is clogged or you have a bad fuel pump IF it has a fuel pump.

B&S 14.5 H.P. RIDER MOWER MODEL # 287707, TYPE 0225-01, CODE 36121320. WONT START. IS THERE SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT SETTING THE VALVE CLEARANCE? I`VE SET CLEARANCE @ .015 ON BOTH INTAKE AND EX. WHEN @ TDC. I ALSO NEED WIREING DIAGRAM OF WIRES FROM FLYWHEEL TO SWITCH.

Best try .003- .005 intake .005- .007 exhaust. Set cold 1/4" past TDC . Are you talking about stator wires? What equipment is the engine on?

THANKS FOR THE VALVE SETTINGS.. YES, I AM REFERING TO THE STATOR WIRES.. THE GENERATOR HAS NEVER BEEN ABLE TO CHARGE THE BATT. GOT ANY IDEAS?? THIS ENGINE IS ON A MURRY RIDEING LAWN MOWER.. NO OTHER EQUIP. I WOULD LIKE TO ADD AN AMPMETER SO I COULD TELL WHEN BATT IS BEING CHARGED.. FIRST I NEED TO MAKE SURE OF WHERE THE STATOR WIRES CONNECT UP..

You could start by checking for output from the stator itself. You may have a pigtail w/ 2wires- one of which had a diode. A multimeter can be your friend. There are several configs, I'm just thinking what would most likely me on a Murray. You could search for a IPL for your specific tractor which may have a schematic. Briggs also has alternator charts which can be utilized to determine what you have. I assume some wires have been disconnected along the way?

YES, THERE IS A PIGTAIL WITH (2)WIRE THAT HAVE A CONNECTOR ON THEM.. THEN THERE IS (1) WIRE THAT WAS FOUND UP UNDER THE FLYWHEEL BROKEN . MAY BE WHY THE BATT. CHARGER DOSENT WORK AND I DON`T KNOW WHERE IT CONNECTS..

Have you noticed that you are the only one posting in all caps?

Walt Conner

that makes a difference????? ONLY EASIER TO READ I THINK....

"that makes a difference????? ONLY EASIER TO READ I THINK."

In computer talk, it is like shouting, not considered polite, surprised no one as told you that before.

But don't worry, I just will try to remember to not open this thread anymore.

Walt Conner

"that makes a difference????? ONLY EASIER TO READ I THINK...."

Not easier to read. Just annoying.

I recommend using a NGK BKR5EIX pt. # 6341 spark plug . IT will last 8 - 10 years depending on the hours per week it is used, commercially a good 5-6 years .
The other problem is the fuel filter. An in line filter like a NAPA 3012 will filter out the the trash that the factory screen filter allows to get to the carburator.
The carburator is another problem as water gets is the gas much quicker . Take bowl loose with a long pair of needle nose pliers & clean if bowl leaks gas may need to get the 2 gaskets to bowl. Make sure you have your model # .
Fuel is another issue as there is more alcohol in gas these days . Premium gas may help if you don't use daily BUT the product that I have found that works best to disperse water in gas is REDLINE SL-1 fuel additive. 1 ounce per gallon will make the alcohol & water disapear. Exception to this would be when you see water on the bottom of the tank . In this case drain the tank first before cleaning the bowl of Carburator .
Just a reminder to never leave the switch on when the motor is not running . Most 14.5 B & S have an electric switch that allows fuel to go through carburator when switch is on.
If that does not fix your problems you have a spark issue , a valve clearence adujst hot or cold ? or broken connecting rod . Mechanical issues should be taken to a specialist !

Mower has good spark, will run with starting fluid a second or two. just dosent act like it's getting fuel, would the anti backfire selenoid keep from getting fuel if its bad how would I eleminate this selenoid. wont crank if I unplug it Thanks for your help. This has been a very dependable mower now all of a sudden it won't run.