Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 8HP Briggs & Stratton wont turn over, briggs stratton, riding lawnmower

Question
I have an old Deere riding lawnmower that ran fine last fall, but won't turn over this spring.  It's an electrical start.  The starter worked when I jumped the terminals on the solenoid (but I replaced the solenoid anyway), I also replaced the starter switch (which was all rusted out), but still nothing...
Can you point me towards anything else?

Answer
Hi Dennis,

Below is my general "No crank" proceedure.  See if it helps and 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, 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.