Briggs/Stratton 3.5 hp

'allo,

Over 1 year ago, somebody gave me an old MTD 20" mower with a
B&S 3.5 hp. Ran rough, so I cleaned the carb, changed oil, plug, etc.
Ran fine, better'n my newer Quantum 4hp. I garaged it as a backup
mower.

About a year later, after no further use, it won't start. Carb looks
fine. Evidently no spark. Tough to properly test: only one of me,
not enough hands. Pulled the plug, wired the safety bar, pulled
engine cover. Trying to test just turning the flywheel by hand. Even
put a multimeter (@ 500v ac) on it: just barely, barely moved.

I'd just pitch the unit if I had conclusive evidence that the
magneto (or whatever) was defective. But I've had 3.5's before and
never had a problem with spark (except plug replacement).

Anybody gotta inkling why such 3.5 would run fine 1 year ago,
fail to gen spark now?

Thx,
Puddin'

Pease pudding hot,
Pease pudding cold,
Pease pudding in the pot
Nine days old.