Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): toro lawn tractor can jump it from starter but wont stay running, lawn mower wont start, jumper cable

Question
QUESTION: just put a new belt on and sharpened my blades now my lawn mower wont start.i can jump it from the battery to the starter but soon as i release the jumper cable the engine dies.the ignition stopped working a while back and i have been using the solenoid and a screw driver to start it but now it does not work.I have a toro 1644hxl wheel horse.model no.71196 serial no.8900771.hope u can help.

ANSWER: Chris

Have you checked the safety switch's on the deck and on the mower? There is a PTO Switch which wont let the engine fire if it is not closed,also the deck has a switch that is connected to the PTO Safety relay. This prevents the engine starting with the blades engaged so you can not get hurt. If I was you I would invest in a new key switch before you damage something,by using the battery to the starter is not good for the starter lugs.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: toro 1644hxl wheel horse modelno.71196 serial no.8900771.yes i have checked the safety switches.the engine wouldn't start at all if the safety switches were bad.it will start but dies after i unhook the jumper cable.if i click the safety switch it wont start at all.could the spdt safety relay switch keep it from running cause lights fuel soleniod and starter soleniod runs through it.none of these work.the lights stopped working a while back.the switch stopped starting it few weeks ago now soleniod wont jump and it acts like it just gets enough gas to start it then quits.

Answer
Chris
Seems like you have a few problems,First we have to get the engine to spin with the spark plug getting spark.Once that is finished spray some carburetor cleaner in the opening of the carb then try starting the engine if it starts then dies then the carburetor needs replaced or rebuilt.The lights come off the key switch so does the fuel solenoid and ignition.Like I saids get a new key switch that will solve most of the issues you have.