New member seeking some help

[Black River]

Hello everyone. I have a Stanley 46" cut garden tractor with a 21hp OHV Intek V-twin Briggs/Stratton engine. It was given to me by my father, who is in poor health and just got a new Craftsman, as he was tired of messing with the Stanley. I've used it a few times to help him mow. It has always smoked a little, but recently it started "running on one cylinder" as my dad described. I'm pretty handy with tools but have no experience with these engines and wondered if someone could tell me what to look at to correct the problem.

The engine cranks right up but it does sound like only one cylinder is firing. I checked for spark (just by eyeballing) and could see spark to both plugs, but the left plug was pretty fouled. I have not checked compression yet. There's a part down under the steering wheel that dad said he had to replace before, it has the hot wire connected to it, is that the ignition module? What else should i check?

Also, is there a site to download a manual for this mower?

 

[Rivets]

Please post the model numbers for both the engine and tractor. I'm sure I can find your manuals for both.

 

[Lairdslawnmowers]

You really need to do a compression check, it sounds like a thrown rod. Just removed spark plugs and put your finger over the hole while trying to start, watch out for the spark plug wire so you don't get a surprise.

 

[chance123]

If the left plug is fouled with fuel, that indicates it "IS" getting fuel. Perhaps the plug is too fouled to fire. Have you tried a new plug?