Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Jumpering, briggs and stratton, john thanks

Question
QUESTION: Hello. Please excuse my ignorance...I am a bit new to this. I have a 1990 18 hp MTD Ranch King lawn mower. Briggs and Stratton Engine. It will not crank...no clicks, no noise at all. I have power going to the ignition switch but can't find anything beyond that. I keep reading about "jumpering" the safety switches to see if one of them is faulty. Now the ignorant part...how exactly do you jumper the safety switches (clutch, PTO, Reverse, Seat, etc.)?

There is some rust also on a few of the terminals. Is there a good cleaning solution or solvent to use in removing it?

Any help you can give along with any other ideas of what to check would be greatly appreciated.
ANSWER:   Hello Rodney:

 No Worries. Disconnect the Safety Switch you Wish to Jumper and Place a Wire from 1 Lead of the Harness Plug to the Other Lead. This will Bypass the Safety Switch. This is Intended to Locate the Bad Switch Only. I DO NOT RECOMEND the Mower be Operated with the Safety Switches Jumpered. Check the Clutch Safety First. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these Numbers I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. As for the Cleaning of the Safety Switches, I Use Contact Cleaner Purchased from Radio Shack. This Cleans the Switches Blades and Doesn't Harm the Switch. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John

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

QUESTION: Hi John. Thanks for your quick response to my question. You requested the model # for the mower which is: 140-849H205.

Also, if a plug has 4 wires running to it (clutch switch) which leads should be jumpered?

Thanks again for your help. It is much appreciated.

Rodney

Answer
 Hello Rodney:

 You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Mower at this Addy http://www.buymtdonline.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Home_BuyMTDOnline_10101_19 and Select the Use Our Detailed Parts Finder Button on the Right side of the Page. Then Select the MTD OEM and Enter the Model Numbers 140-849H205/843268 and Click Search. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now Select the Electrical Section. From the Breakdown/IPL it Looks like the Jumper should be Yellow to Yellow and Red to Red. Hope this Help. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John