Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): kenmore lawn tractor wont start, crankcase oil, engine crankcase

Question
I have a Kenmore lawn tractor with a Kohler engine that is about 6 years old.  Last year I noticed it wouldn't always turn over right when I would turn the key.  Yesterday this progressed to not turning over at all. In searching the answers to the questions posted here, I figured it was probably a problem with the solenoid.  So, I jumped the posts of the solenoid and did get the tractor to turn over.  It started once doing this, but ran rough for about 15 seconds, then died.  Further attempts to start it have not been successful and frequently result in a loud backfire from the carburetor.  They key is turning it over now, but it is still not starting.  I did put a new spark plug in it and tried starting it without the foam air filter layer in place once.

It sounds a little bit like an old-fashion tractor when I try to start it.  It sort of pop, pop, pops, but doesn't start and as I said sometimes backfires really loud.

I have seen gas dripping off the front end a few times.

Oh, before I jumped the solenoid, I did rinse some gas off the protective plate located abot 4 inches under the carburetor with a gentle spray from the garden hose, but I didn't think I hit the carburetor much, but it is a possibility.

Any ideas?

Answer
Hello Steve:

Did you Check the Oil? Usually if there is Gas on the Plate you Described, then the Engine Crankcase Oil is Contaminated with Gas and Usually Reads Over Full. Also, Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Check the Carburetor Solenoid Also, Please. Check for Current/Voltage (10.5 VDC Minimum) to the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid. If the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid has Current, then On Some Solenoids you can Remove the Needle and Replace the Solenoid to Test them. ****PLEASE DO NOT OPERATE THE MOWER WITH THE SOLENOID BYPASSED IN THIS MANNER. THIS IS "ONLY" FOR TESTING.**** For Others, Remove the Carburetor Solenoid and Go to the Hardware Store. Purchase a Bolt of the Same Diameter and Threads.It Needs to be 1/2" to 3/4" Long for the Horizontal Mount Solenoids and 1/4" Long for the Vertical Mount Solenoids. Put this Bolt in Place of the Solenoid. If this Corrects the Engine Problem, then Replace the Solenoid. ***NOTE: THIS IS FOR CHECKING THE SOLENOID ONLY I NEVER SUGGEST YOU OPERATE THE ENGINE WITH THE SOLENOID OUT OF THE CARBURETOR EXCEPT FOR TESTING PURPOSES*** Sometimes the Plunger is Moving, Just Not Far Enough to Allow the Gas to Enter the Jets. Can you Describe in More Detail How the Engine is Turning when Starting, Please. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

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Respectfully

John