Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman mower engine problem, jumper wire, volt light

Question
Hello, the Craftsman mower is a 20 hp.  I got it out and it turned over but would not start, battery was going dead. I stupidly started it with a charger with the wrong voltage.  It started and ran but will not turn over with a charged battery.  Help please

Thanks,

Mark

Answer
Hi Mark,

So if I understand, it ran fine but not it won't crank?  If that is so, make sure that the battery is good and check any fuses, then follow this proceedure:
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.

Let me know how you make out,
Michael