Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman 1000 Riding Mower, crankcase oil, safety cutoff

Question
Dear John,
I purchased a used Craftsman 1000 with a 16 hp Kohler CV460S, #26509, a while back for $500.00. It refuses to start this year. Turning the ignition key gets absolutely nothing. I changed the battery, but do not seem to be getting power to the starter. Also the gas tank has emptied into the crankcase. I can jump the starter but the flywheel does not turn. I am know thinking the fuel solenoid is staying open and letting the gas flow into the cylinder, and the engine cannot compress a liquid. I have already soaked the carburetor overnight and reinstalled it. Does the bolt theory work for solenoid replacement, I do not know the cost of a solenoid.
I have checked the safety cutoff under the seat. I found one broken small red wire near the starter that has a disconnect link. It appears to be for the headlights, but I don't cut in the dark anyway.

Answer
Hello Barry:

Does the Starter Engage the Flywheel and Attempt to Turn the Engine. Remove the Spark Plug and Rotate the Engine to Clear the Cylinder of Any Gas/Oil in the Compression Chamber. Change the Crankcase Oil. Install a Manual Cut Off Valve and Manually Turn Off the Gas Flow to the Carburetor when the Engine is Not in Use. If the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid has Current, then Remove the Carburetor Solenoid and Go to the Hardware Store. Purchase a Bolt of the Same Diameter and Threads. It Needs to be 3/4" Long. 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. According to the Breakdown, this is an OHV Engine. Usually Resetting the Valve Clearances will Correct the Hard to Start Problem on OHV Engines. I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center (Both Rocker Arms will have Play in them when the Engine is at TDC) When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .008in - .010in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.kohlerplus.com/login.asp and Select Enter as Guest. Now Select the Thumbnail of the Catalog you Wish to View. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John