Riding lawn mower died and won't restart.

Question

I was mowing my yard and stopped to move a ball out of the way. I locked the brake and jumped off. I forgot to disengage the blade. The mower quit, went poof and now I can't get it to restart. New spark plug didn't help. I smell gas when I try to start it. B&S engine in a John Deere Sabre mower. Help!!!

Answer 1

might be the switch under seat might be broke

Answer 2

here's a secert I learned with John Deere mowers (I have one). I replaced just about everything on mine that you could and it still wouldn't stay running. I found out from calling John Deere directly, that on the gas cap is a tiny pin hole. If there is a lot of dirt in it, air cannot get to the gas to help the engine. I blew air through the hole and nothing came out, I finally used a straight pin and cleared the hole, replaced the cap and it stasrted right up and hasn't given me a problem since. Something so simple but very expensive. Now when it cuts out on me, I clean that little pin hole out and have no problems.