Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): SMALL RIDING LAWN MOWER, throttle lever, solenoid

Question
i HAVE A CRAFTSMAN RIDER ABOUT 5-8 YRS OLD THAT WAONT START  iT HAS A kOEHLER 15.5 ENGINE. iT APPEARS THAT ITS NOT GETTING GAS TO START i INVESTIGATED FOR CHOKE PROBLEMS AND DONT UNDERSTANT WHAT i HAVE HERE.  THE THROTTLE LEVER WHEN PUSHED TO THE TOP IS SUPPOSED TO CHOKE THE ENGINE FOR STARTING BUT ALL i FIND IS A SWITCH. IS THIS SOME SORT OF ELECTRIC CHOKE IF SO HOW CAN i CHECK IT TO SEE IF IT IS WORKING.  THANKS
dICK sHULTZ

Answer
Hi Richard,
If its an electric choke it'll be a solenoid attached to a choke plate on the carb right after the air cleaner.  You can switch the mower on, operate the throttle lever up and down- you should be able to hear the solenoid clik on and off.  You Can also likely see the flap operate with the air cleaner removed.
Check this and get back to me ok?