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

Question
I have a Honda Harmony Riding Lawn Mower--1011--7 years old---when I go to start it--sometimes it will start--but now it is just going click--click--click--etc--new battery and cables--is this the sound of a starter gone bad--I am a novice at repairs but don't want to be---also --How do you trace the power to tell where the power break is--any help would be great--Thanks

Answer
Hello,

Make sure that all the terminals are cleaned with a small wire brush.  If still no cranking, refer to my test 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.  All testing can be done with a 12 volt test light or a voltmeter.   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. Most equipment has safety switches in the seat and on the blade engagement lever. Check them by temporarily bypassing with a small jumper wire.  

I think the safety switches are okay in your mower because there is the clicking sound.  

Let me know how you make out.
Michael