Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Dead engine, safety switches, battery cables

Question
Hi Eric
I think I have an electrical problem with my mower. 12.5 hp/40” Murray, B/S engine. Murray model #40631A, B/S Mod #286707/ purchased new 1992. Worked fine last weekend, now the engine won’t turn over; is completely dead when turn the key. No clicking when I try to start it so assume solenoid OK. I did try jumping across the solenoid and the engine does crank & start. Spark plug is new and connected. Battery is new and I had it load tested when I purchased it a few days ago. Red cable connected tightly to positive post. New 15a fuse, and I had the clutch and PTO switch checked at a lawnmower repair shop; both tested OK. I checked the wiring harness and all of the wires are connected, don’t see any noticeable breaks. I cleaned the battery cables and posts. Adjusted the clutch to owner manual specs(it was loose)to make sure the clutch switch closes. Ignition switch functions normally; doesn’t feel any different than usual. I don’t have an ohmmeter; only a circuit tester which I presume won’t help me any. Only thing I can think of is a break in the wiring but have no idea how to check for that. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Don


Answer
An ohm meter is almost necessary to check for bad wires.  However, did you check the blade/deck and seat safety switches?
Is you circuit tester one that lights up if you connecet one side to the positive battery terminal and the other side to the negative terminal?
Let me know.
Eric