Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): electrical - tractor died and wont start, alligator clip, key switch

Question
I just replaced the engine in my 2001 s2046 ran it for about 4 hours and was dumping the bag and the tractor died. Turn the key switch and nothing, turn the key switch on and use jumpers to take + to the starter terminal and it turns over but won't start.  If I had a wiring diagram I could [probably figure it out, but short of hand tracing everything do you have a couple of quick things to check .  the fuse is good, there is a relay on the firewall but don't know what  to check.  Maybe a solenoid problem?  It seems like the magneto has a ground when the switch is in the off position which I assume kills the engine, and the switch seems to do that ok.  

Thanks for any insight

Answer
Bruce,


   Alot of times a simple issue can be a headache But It may Just be the Solenoid On the tractor itself the wiring is relativley simples and straightforward.
Somewhere between the Ignition switch and the Starter is the culprit try running a alligator clip from the  (-) side of the starter to a bolt next attach a alligator clip to the (+) line on the ign switch touch the starter with the other end see if it kicks over.
If it does then your Grounding is bad in the Ignition switch.
If it is still dead then you have a bare wire touching or breaking your connection Since your Model S2046 I can only assume is a Scotts Machine Could you be more specific in the Make and Model of your tractor and Engine?
I would suggest removing each wire Individually and checking it and putting it back on as you go to determine what wire is bad