Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro hit root--mower died--wont start now, briggs stratton engine, briggs stratton

Question
Eric, first of all, thanks for your help--I really appreciate it.

The mower is a Toro 74330, it's a non-commercial hydrostatic model with a 16 hp Briggs/Stratton engine with a 42" deck.

i bought it in '03 and it's worked fine since--except it occasionally backfires when i turn it off..

Last wknd i hit water hose, the mower quit, and won't start.    When i turn the switch there is a single click--that sounds like it's coming from either the under-engine area or maybe the starter solenoid.  I downloaded the service manual and went through the switch, starter solenoid, and the PTO switch.  Everything so far has checked out--except for the PTO switch.  In the manual it shows a switch with three pins on the top, and two on the bottom.  The plug to the switch is only using the top 3 contacts, the switch i have has three pins on top and three on bottom, If i follow the manual the center pin is not doing what the manual says--i think its closed when it's supposed to be open...

Anyway, do you think i should go get a new switch, or is there something else i should check first?

Again, thanks for your help--and let me know if you need more info...  

Answer
Sorry it took so long to respond, I’m in the process of moving and just got internet.  


Can you bypass the switch?  Did you dis-connect the battery cables and clean the battery cable ends and battery terminals with a wirebrush?  I have fixed a lot of "clicking" problems just by charging the battery and cleaning the connections.

Let me know if cleaning and charging helps.  Also, check to be sure 12 volts DC is reaching the small wire on the starting solenoid when you turn the key to the start position.

Eric