16 hp kohler won't start

I have a 16 hp Kohler ohv that will not start. It is getting spark and gas. I can pour a little gas in the carb and it will fire but won't start. I have replaced the head gasket because I thought it might have been bad. Everything looked good inside. (Looks can be deceiving) I have not performed a compression test. I also replaced the flywheel because the magnets on the inside came loose and were just rattling around. Should I keep putting money in it? Junk it? Take it to a professional? Thanks for all replies.

Craftsman 16/42 Lawn Tractor Engine# CV16S 43519

 

When you replaced the head gasket, did you adjust the valve clearance to spec? Also did you torque the flywheel nut? Make sure the loose magnets didn't damage anything inside, & the flywheel key is in good shape.

 

I did not adjust the valve clearance. I did torque the flywheel. The magnets did not do any damage and the flywheel key was fine. I'm going to run a compression test as soon as I can get my hands on a tester. I had a small engine mechanic tell me that it might need a valve job but I will adjust the valve clearance first to see if that works. Thanks for the help!

 

I bet if everything in the flywheel is O.K. you"ll find the valves too tight