Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Sears Riding Lawn Mower wont start..., starter solenoid, riding lawn mower

Question
I have a 12 year old 42" Sears riding lawn mower.  Today my wife was cutting the grass when she said that the engine started to die.  She could also hear a somewhat "high pitched" sound coming from the engine.  She thought it was out of gas.  Upon filling, the engine would not start.  It would not even turn over.  Just a loud, single click. At first, I thought that click was coming from a large silver cylinder alongside the engine... would that be the solenoid... but after turning the key several times, I am not sure almost sound like the loud click (or clunk) is coming from closer to the key (inside the steering wheel housing where the key is mounted).  A high pitched (but not very loud) squeal also seems to come from inside the steering wheel housing where the key is at?

Each time you turn the key on, all you get is a loud click/clunk.  Does not even try to turn over...

It is hot outside today (90+), but that silver cylinder is too hot too touch... Is it always really hot...

Also if it is the starter/solenoid, could that have gone bad while the mower was running, causing engine to die.... I thought that part was only functional when starting the engine...

I am so stupid.  Thank you for any help you can provide.

Regards,
Gregg  

Answer
Hi Gregg,

You are right.  The starter or solenoid are only in the picture when starting. Maybe the blade engage switch or lever was left on, which would prevent cranking.  Otherwise, follow my No Cranking proceedure below.

Let me know how you make out.

Michael

I would check the starter first.  Jump the positive battery terminal to the starter and it should crank over.  If not, jump from a battery that you know is good, from a car.  If still nothing, the starter is bad.  If good, then you will need to trace the entire circuit from the starter to the battery.   The solenoid, switches the battery power to the starter, when power from the key switch is sent to the small terminal on the solenoid. To test the solenoid, first make sure that you have power at its large terminal which comes from the battery. Then jump power from that terminal or the battery positive post, to its small terminal. You should hear a click and the other large terminal that feeds the starter should be energized. If not, then the solenoid is bad. If good, then continue tracing the power through the key switch to the battery until you find the break in the power path.   All testing can be done with a 12 volt light or a voltmeter.  Most equipment has safety switches in  the seat and on the blade engagement lever. Check them by temporarily bypassing with a small jumper wire.