I got an old snapper

[Anonymous-0]

and it "ticks when running as well as shooting fire out the exhaust at intervals.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I can't say for sure without hearing it but it sounds like a sticking exhaust valve. That ticking you hear might be the firing of the gas and escaping past the exhaust valve. That engine will get real hard to start in short order due to lack of compression. It also might not have the proper valve clearance.
Irv

 

[yeah thats it]

it goes to the JUNK YARD!

 

[Vally Farm]

Try to add some Marvels Mystery Oil to the gas. I got an old mower engine that the exaust valve seized open on and couldn't even turn over. I pulled the head and lubed up the valve and let it set for a few days. I was able to get it freeded up by hand cranking on the "flywheel". Put a new head gasket on and she is still running 1 1/2 years later. Mine is a Kohler though. If yours is a Briggs it might be time for a replacement engine. Mike