Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Murray Tractor not starting, switch jumper, jumper wire

Question
I have a Murray select tractor 2001 model year.  Model number is 42571x8D.  It just won't start.  When I turn the key the engine moves but never fires.  I have checked the battery and it is charged and is good.  When I hook a voltmeter to it I get 12  volts.  It's an old voltmeter hard to tell the exact reading.  When I go from positive terminal on battery to engine block I get 12  volts.  When I go from negative terminal to left of the solenoid I get 12  volts.  When I go from negative terminal to right solenoid and crank the engine I get around 7-8 volts.  When I go from negative to small wire on the solenoid and crack the engine I get 7-8  volts.  From what I have read this means a safety switch is bad.  I have bypassed my seat switch with the same results.  When I have the parking brake disengaged the engine doesn't do anything.  What am I missing.  Are there any other safety switches I can't find?

Answer
Hello Eddie:

From your Description, it Sounds like a Bad Safety Switch or a Bad Coil/Magneto. **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). Check the Clutch/Brake and the Blade/PTO Safety Switches First. Check the Seat Safety Last. Usually the Seat Safety is Not in the System for Starting the Engine. Just to Ensure Someone is in the Seat when Engaging the Transaxle and/or Blades.** You can View a Breakdown of this Mower At this Site Addy; http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Lookup. Select the Model Tab. Select the OEM and Enter the Model Numbers. Now Double Click on your Model in the Results Area. Now Select Sectional View. Now Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View.  **To Check the Ign Coil; Remove the Spark Plug/s. Wrap a Wire Around the Threads of the Plug and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block. Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). The Wire that is Connected to the Coil/Ign Module from the Shut Off Switch needs to be Removed (unplugged) from the Coil/Ign Module. Now Check for Spark at the Plug. If Spark, then the Shut Off Switch or the Wire is Bad. If Still No Spark, then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. If there are Safety Switches on this Unit and the Coil is Good; you Need to Check the Safety Switches for Being Bad Also.** 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