Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Riding Mower wont start, powerkraft, michael ps

Question
I inherited an old PowerKraft mower (I believe it was made by MTD) when I bought a house recently.  It worked the first week I had it but won't start again.  When I turn the key the engine makes no attempt to turn over...no click or anything.

I checked the battery - it's good.  So I started tracing back and found that the connection was being disrupted in the solenoid.  The solenoid is connected to a blade engage/disengage safety switch.  I'm not sure if the safety swich is bad or if the solenoid is bad.  I unhooked the safety switch from the solenoid and still could get a response when I tried starting it, but I'm wondering if I only suceeded in opening the circuit rather than isolating the safety switch.

The mower appears to be so old, I cannot find a wiring diagram on-line and parts seem very hard to locate.

Any suggestions on how to isolate the problem and find information on parts and diagrams?

Answer
Hi Tom,

You have done most of the work already.
Using a test light or meter, try to determine whether the safety switch completes the connection to the keyswitch or to ground.  You will probably need to bypass rather than disconnect the switch.

My testing proceedure below, may help also.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael

PS - I don't know where to get parts or manuals.  You could try to match up something at a local parts dealer.
---------------------------------------
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.