Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): murray mower wont shut off, starter solenoid, jumper cable

Question
QUESTION: I don't know much about lawn mowers bare with me. I have a murray classic 11hp, 38"  Mower model #387000x92a.
Tucumsea engine model #OHV135. This happens alot but not everytime. The mower will not shut off. The starter sounds like it is what keeps running. The key is off I am off the seat and something is still running. I have to unhook the battery which sparks at me. If I try to hook the battery back up right away, the battery sparks and it tries to start again. If I leave it sit for a few hours I can hook the battery back up and sometimes it will then start with the key but sometimes then I have to jump it from the car. Any ideas??

ANSWER: Hello Mary:

The Starter Solenoid or the Ign Switch May be Bad. to Check the Starter and Solenoid: Use your Jumper Cable Set and Attach the Positive Lead Onto the Positive Post of the Battery ( make sure the Battery is Fully Charged or is a New Battery). Now Firmly Touch the Large Post on the Starter. If the Starter Turns the Engine Properly, Then Check the Solenoid. Firmly Touch the Small Post at the Base of the Solenoid. If The Starter Does Not Turn or Turns Constantly or  the Solenoid Just Clicks, Then the Solenoid is Bad. Go to this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (Murray) and Enter the Model Numbers (387000X92A). Then Double Click on your Model in the Results Area. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

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

QUESTION: O.K let's see. First of all does the battery have to be hooked back up. I have the positive hooked up and when I go to hook the neg. up it sparks at me and tries to start. Second I am guessing that the soleniod has the red cable from the battery connected to a screw and a red cable going from a screw on the solenoid to the starter. Which screw am I connecting to? Also I just got a new ignition switch, new starter and new battery.

Answer
Hi Mary:

If you have Replaced the Ign Switch, Starter and Battery, then Replace the Starter Solenoid. The Solenoid is the Component with the Positive Battery Cable from the Battery on One Side and The Battery Cable to the Starter on the Other Side. There is 1 or 2 Smaller Posts on the Base of the Solenoid. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John