I have a 1990's 15 HP Briggs that will turn over (seems to have good comp. it snaps back) but it wont start. I also noticed that the plug will get oil on it. I thought if it had compression oil shouldn't get past the rings. Could it be the valves? Any help would be great. Thanks, Buck

Oil can get in there a number of ways. Check the oil level make sure it is not overfull, check the air filter make sure there is not any oil in there or in the carburetor where the breather tube connects. Oil helps lubricate and seal the cylinder area, so if the rings have sufficient wear oil can get past them even though there is enough compression for the engine to run.

Good Luck

is this a 2stroke? and are u using oil gas mix
on a 4 stroke engine?