No start. Have gas, spark, compression

I have a Snapper 381450HBVE rear engine rider with 14.5 HP Briggs IC model #287707 engine that is getting on in years. It has been smoking off and on for the past season or two. I always top off the oil before I start it up. Lately it has been fouling plugs more frequently. Usually I can just pull the old plug out, clean it and she's good to go. Not so much anymore. The last time it died I put in a new plug, checked for spark it was good) and it still wouldn't start. It also doesn't sound normal when cranking. Kind of a "Wub,wub,wub" sound with the choke all the way closed and that goes away with choke opened so all you hear is the starter motor turning over. The Wub,wub,wub is almost a popping sound but not like it's trying to fire. So, I pulled the plug and checked compression. It is at 130 psi which is where it has always been at since I bought it 4 years ago. The plug is wet with gas when I pull it out. I'm wondering if there is a timing issue or maybe a problem with the valves. If that is the case I may just move on to a little bit wider zero turn which has always been my goal since buying this property. Just at an acre it's probably more that the Snapper likes to do. Any ideas on why it won't start? Or recommendations for zero turns?:biggrin:

Thanks,
John