1998 Craftsman 14.5hp won't turn over with key

[bedwards24676]

Craftsman riding mower 1998 model with 14.5hp will not start when turning the key. I can jump the starter and the motor spins. I can also here a vague click when bumping the key. Sounds like solenoid to me. But I'm no professional. Want to see what you guys may think on this problem. Thanks for the help.

 

[Rivets]

Clicking could be either the starter solenoid or the fuel solenoid if you have one. Have you charged the battery to make sure that it is not the problem. Also, put the jumper across the battery and try.

 

[bedwards24676]

It has a brand new battery just put on last night thought that was the problem. So that can't be it. Not sure if it has a fuel solenoid.

 

[bedwards24676]

When you say jump across the battery do you mean jumping the starting solenoid?

 

[Rivets]

OK. New battery, so then I would like you to take a jump wire from the + terminal on the battery and touch the small terminal on the solenoid. If the engine spins over the solenoid is good. The fuel solenoid is on the bottom of the carb. It will have a wire going to it.

 

[bedwards24676]

Is that fuel solenoid some type of fuel shut off solenoid?

 

[Rivets]

Yes, used to prevent back firing upon shut off.

 

[bedwards24676]

Ok thanks for your help I will trouble shoot these some more tonight. If that fuel solenoid is my problem can I unplug it or is there a taletell way to narrow it down to that.

 

[Rivets]

If you have a fuel solenoid, you can set the parking brake and if you can turn the key with one hand a feel the solenoid with the other hand you should feel it move and hear a click if it is good.

 

[Rivets]

If you unplug it you will have shut off the fuel supply.