Tractor Repair: lawn tractor wont start, sears craftsman, solonoid

Question
QUESTION: Hi Martin, my Sears Craftsman mower won't turn over. At first it wouldn't do anything then I found the battery to be dead. It has a new battery and now it sounds like it's not getting a "spark". The plug is new and the fuse is good. What other problem would cause it not to start up?  Thanks a bunch!

ANSWER: Hi Ellen.
Just about every thing!
Sorry to be obvious have you tried:-
Fuel in the tank .
is the tap turned on?
Is there a strong smell of petrol (too much choke)
Is there a spark at the plug.
any wires hanging off that there should not be.
Do you have a manual.
does it fire at all (cough and splutter)
can you test the spark your self>
Get back to me.
Martin





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Martin....I tried the spark test and it shows a spark. I did check for gas smell, there wasn't any. ( yes, it has a full tank of gas )  :) All wires seem tight.  I do have the manual which says it could be a bad ignition switch , solonoid or starter. How would I check?
Thanks again!
ELLEN

Answer
OK
Who ray for woman's lib!
Did you try the WD40? spray all contacts don't drawn it.
yes spray the ign switch inside and out are the wires  contacts good -no sign of the dreaded green mould.
dismantle and Clean if suspect!
Might be a good idea to get a battery charger for future use you can us it on the car as well!
Any way solenoid -not easy to check but rarely goes wrong .
the starter does all the work! some times you can reach the end of the starter and try to turn it by hand to see if its jamb up there, may be a good idea to disconnect the BAT before try this, you may be able to fit a small spanner on the outer end of the start and move from side to side ,it should be quite free to move if its not then it may be solid with old age and grime , and would need stripping and cleaning internally !
O i forgot that you fitted a new battery does that mean she now turns over freely ? but does not fire up.
Then we are back to the fuel system ,so you cant smell fuel may be there is a fuel blockage. in the pipe work.
Turn the fuel tape off-- loosen the fuel pipe at the top of the carburetor turn the fuel back on briefly , watch for fuel coming out at the loose nut ,NO SMOKING .
if it does not then this pipe may be blocked --clean it and test again , I assuming that the fuel tank is higher than the carburetor?
Sorry cant think of anything els at the moment.
Martin.