Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Riding mower wont start, jumper wire, volt light

Question
I have a 2 yr old Murray 14hp riding mower, worked fine at the end of last year. When I tried to start this year I got nothing but a clicking sound, not like a battery clicking, but more of a ratcheting sound. I tried to turn it over several times in an effort to locate where the clicking was coming from and decided it was the solenoid. BUT, at one point the flywheel starting spinning even after I turned the key off. It spun about 8-10 times but was not cranking the engine. After that I get absolutely nothing when I try to start. Using the manual to troubleshoot I replaced the fuse and the solenoid, still nothing, also checked the battery again and its fine. help? thank you

Answer
Hi George,

I suspect the key switch but follow my "No crank" proceedure below and let me know what you find.

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.