Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Snapper Mower starter solenoid problems, starter solenoid problems, snapper riding lawn mower

Question
Michael-

My mother has a Snapper Riding lawn mower with a rear briggs and stratton engine. It is a about 5 years old. Last fall the electric start stopped working. I found a post on here, that I beleive was by you on how to eliminate if it was the starter solenoid. I bypassed the starter solenoid and the engine turned over. Therefore I ordered a new starter solenoid. The lawn mower was put up for the winter, and just dragged out this spring. We installed the new solenoid, but the same problem persists. This time the solenoid does making a buzzing sound when you turn the key. I couldn't find the old post on how to bypass the solenoid. Can you give me the steps on elminating if it is the solenoid or not? Also, the battery has been tested and is good. Any other things you can suggest would be greatly appreciated. My mom wants to get it up and running soon, and with her and the mower being 4 hours away, I want to make sure I have a good solution before I drive out there.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi John,

Here's the entire proceedure:
I would check the starter first.  Jump the positive battery terminal to the starter and it should crank over.  If not, the starter is bad. If good, then you will need to trace the entire circuit from the starter to the battery.  The solenoid, switches the battery power to the starter, when power from the key switch is sent to the small terminal on the solenoid. To test the solenoid, first make sure that you have power at its large terminal which comes from the battery. Then jump power from that terminal or the battery positive post, to its 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.  All testing can be done with a 12 volt light or a voltmeter.  Most equipment has safety switches in the seat and on the blade engagement lever. Check them by temporarily bypassing with a small jumper wire.  

Let me know how you make out.
Michael