Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): MTD 545N mower would not start - FIGURED IT OUT!, victory laps, starter solenoid

Question
Not sure if you remember my post - old MTD 545N 15.5hp Briggs mower would not start, just died on me one day.

I figured out the problem -

1st - two wires ( red one & black one ) were routed behind the starter and pinched so tight the metal was shorting out my fuses. Fixed that - re-taped and routed around the starter - now I have power to the "idiot" lights, but still a clunk, clunk, clunk noise with no start?

2. Tested the starter with jumper wires - spun OK
3. Tested wire from battery to starter solenoid - OK
4. Tested wire from solenoid to starter - OK

Determined it must have been the starter solenoid - which they wanted $22 and 3 days to get.  

Tip - purchased a starter solenoid for a 1965 Ford Mustang for $10 at my local auto parts store, which they had on the shelf ironically, hooked up, perfect fit - and I'm back in business baby!  Starts like a champ and I did two victory laps around the house late last night!!  LOL

Now I just need to figure out how to manufacture my own lower chute for the grass catcher?  I'm using duct tape and that is working but eventually the part will crack all the way through.

Thanks for your help and advice.  

Jeff from Wisconsin

Answer
Hello Jeff:

Great!! I'm Glad you Got it Going. Also, I'm Glad you Let me Know. I have the Solution to your Chute Problem. Purchase a Piece of Thin Wall PVC Pipe the Same Diameter as the Chute and Cute a Piece the Length Required to Replace the Old One. It's a Little Heavier, but Seems to Work Well on a Customers Mower. I was Talking in the Shop and a Customer Overheard the Conversation. He has a Bagger that the Lower Chute Wore Through and he Use the PVC to Produce Another Chute. You May have to have it Ordered, but they Do Make PVC Pipe the Size of Your Chute. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John