Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Garden Tractor died, switch jumper, jumper wire

Question
Thank you for you quick response John.
I checked the rocker arms and the bottom one (for the exhaust valve) was very loose like you suspected. I set the valve clearance per your instrutions 6/14/08.
By the way your instructions are very detailed and easy to follow.
When I turned the key on afterwards, the engine clicked, the battery meter flickered from zero into the negative position and nothing else happened.
Any additional suggestions would be much appreciated.
thanks again,
Ted

Answer
Hello Ted:

Thanks for the Good Words. I am Always Trying to Improve on the Instruction Files I have Made and Appreciate Any Input. Are you Sure the Engine was on the Compression Stroke at TDC when you Set the Valve Clearance?  Can you Turn the Engine by Hand? Have you Checked the Battery Voltage? The Battery May have a Bad Cell. Sometimes when the Valves Start Causing a Starting, the Battery will Get Much More Voltage Use than Normal and this Damages a Cell. The Damaged Cell will then Draw the Voltage from the Good Cells and Slowly Discharge the Battery. Usually your Local Automotive Parts Retailer can Load Test the Battery for Little to No Charge. If the Battery is Good, then Check the Safety Switches. I am Including a Couple of Instruction Files that Should Assist you in Locating and Correcting this Problem. The Following is the Instruction File for Checking the Seat Safety Switch. **Check the Seat Safety Switch. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHECKING THE SAFETY SWITCHES IS JUST THAT!!! FOR CHECKING ONLY. I NEVER Suggest a Mower be Operated with a Safety Device or Switch Disconnected or Bypassed. Now. On Some Model Mowers you can Simply Unplug the Safety Switch from the Harness. On Other Models you have to Place a Jumper Wire Between the Harness Terminals (on the 4 Post Switch Jumper from Same Color Wire to Same Color Wire). The Seat Safety is Showing No One is Seating in the Seat when the Clutch or Blades are Engaged.**  The Following is an Instruction File I Made for Checking/Testing the Starter and Solenoid. **(with the Spark Plug/s Removed) To Check the Solenoid and Starter, Once you are Sure the Battery is Fully Charged/New, then Use your Jumper Cable Set and Attach the Positive Lead Onto the Positive Post of the Battery (make sure the Battery is Fully Charged or is a New Battery). Now Firmly Touch the Large Post on the Starter. If the Starter Does Not Turn and you can turn the Engine by Hand, then the Starter is Bad. If the Starter Turns the Engine Properly, Then Check the Solenoid. Firmly Touch the Small Post at the Base of the Solenoid that has the Ign Wire Attached to it. If The Starter Does Not Turn and the Solenoid Clicks, Then the Solenoid is Bad.** If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John