Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): wiring a new key starter in Craftsman LT4000 lawn tractor, craftsman lt4000 lawn tractor, starter solenoid

Question
QUESTION: Hi, i recently bought a used Craftsman LT4000 lawn tractor, 12 HP driggs and stratin engine, 5 speed transmission, 38inch mower deck

im not 100% sure on the model number as the sticker was scratched off when i got it.

my main problem is that it came with a electric key starter that had most of the wires pulled from where they belong. i have tried in vain to find a wiring schematic so i was wondering if you could assist me in finding one.

as it is now it will start only if you jump the starter solenoid with piece of  metal. but only when the key is turned to the "run" position.

ANY help would be extremely appreciated.

when replying, please keep in mind that i know very little about this sort of thing. lol

thank you for your time,

Adam

ANSWER: You are very close to getting the basics wired.  Have you looked on the back of the key switch for letters, G, S, B, M, ect.?

Usually the the S stands for solenoid and is connect the the small termial on the solenoid.  If your soleniod has two small posts, one will be for the key switch and the other is usually for ground.  All other solenoids, with one small post, are ground through the mounting points.

The link below provides a good explaniation on how to wire riding mowers:

http://www.smallenginesuppliers.com/html/engine-specs/briggs/briggswiringexplana

Let me know if this helps.

Eric

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

QUESTION: The link you sent me was very helpful, however, I'm a little hung up at the moment, I have two wires that don't go to anywhere... The first is a wire that's connected to the headlights. I'm assuming its the positive lead for the lights, the other is one of the two wires that lead into the carburetor. The other carb. Wire is connected to the starter solunoud.

I think I have all of the lettered starter tabs connected except those two.

Also in the schematic there's something called an ammature? Not sure what that is but it says that my other headlight wire goes into this. What is that??

Thanks for all of your help.

Respectfuly
Adam

Answer
Ammature is basically the same thing as the alternator.  Alternators generate alternating current (AC) for powering such things as headlights.  AC is converted to DC, at least half of it, through a rectifier, aka, diode, for powering DC devices like your battery.

The solenoid on the carb is the fuel shtu-off solenoid.  When the key is in the run postion the solenoid need to have DC voltage.  You can use a meter, DC test light, or the letters on the back of the switch to determine a 12 volt DC power to supply the carb solenoid.

The carb solenoid opens to allow fuel to enter the main carb tube when you go to start the mower.

Since one of the carb solenoid is connected to the starter solenoid this might be the 12 volts DC and the other wire on the solneoid is probably ground.  You can use a meter to measure/test for power.  

Eric