Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): electrical problem with lawn tractor, power path, key switch

Question
I am unable to start my lawn tractor, I know it is an electrical problem because I can start it if i put a direct line to the starter. But I am unable to get continuity from the battery to the starter. I have checked grounds and all seems to be good. Also I am unable to get any type of a reading on (?switch?) that is between the line coming from the battery and the line going to the starter. Now this mower is 10+ years old and is made by white.  If you have any ideas please let me know.

Thank you
Dave

Answer
Hi Dave,

You will need to trace the entire circuit from the starter to the battery.  You know the starter is good.  Next, comes the solenoid.  It switches the battery power to the starter, when power from the key switch is sent to the small terminal on the solenoid.  To test it, first make sure that you have power at the large terminal that comes from the battery.  Then jump power from that terminal or the battery, to the 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.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael