Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Riding Mower will not start, jumper cables, jumper cable

Question
John,

I was mowing my yard with my Poulan Pro 42" 18.5HP B&S (Don't know the year model) when I did the unthinkable, I ran out of gas. I poured gas in the tank and then the mower wouldn't start. It cranked slowly at first and then started making clicking noises until it finally stopped altogether. Now nothing happens when I turn the key. I checked the voltage at the battery, battery cables, and battery side of the solenoid, all 12.5 volts. I checked the small wire on the solenoid and when I depress the clutch I get 12.5 volts. When I connect to the starter side of the solenoid and turn the key to start I get nothing. So, I changed the solenoid. Still the same problem. However I noticed that the new solenoid only has one small push post. However, my old had two. The one on the left has one white wire (Clutch Pedal Switch) and the other one has two wires in it (Both Black) that I traced. One black wire goes back to the engine somewhere and the other goes to the ignition switch. I can't connect these wires to my new solenoid. What are these for? And why do new solenoids not have a post for them?  Anyway, I continued to troubleshoot by bypassing the solenoid and safety switches altogether. I put jumper cables from positive side of the battery directly to the starter. The engine turns over once and then it stops. Nothing. If I remove the jumper cable and then reattach it I get one good AHHHHHEEMMMM from the motor but it will not crank over. What else can I check? I am at a loss here and thinking of buying a new mower since this one was recently given to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I really would like to know if I bought the right solenoid. Do I need these other wires hooked up? Oh well, hope all of this made sense.

Thanks again,

Joseph

Answer
Hello Joseph:

Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower and Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. However, you can Check a Few Items. 1- Check the Starter for Binding. 2- If this is an OHV Engine, then Check the Valve Clearance. Briggs Says to Set Both at .004in. 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 .003in -.005in and the Exhaust to .008in - .010in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. They Do Sell the Proper Solenoid for you Mower. A 2 Post Ford Solenoid will Work. The Wires you are Asking About are Most Likely Part of the Safety System or the Lights. The Engine Turning Over and then Stops can be Either a Bad Battery (has a Weak Cell) or the Valve Clearance on the OHV Engines. 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