craftsman model 917.272670 starter problems

[lgreg]

My starter just click when I try to start my mower. If I keep trying it begins to smoke. The motor will turn over occasionaly but not enough to start. Is it a solinoid or do I need to replace the entire starter. It is a 17.5 briggs motor

 

[Sdoner]

Check and see if you have 12 volts out of solonoid to starter, if you do then you have a bad starter.

 

[twinfords]

check all connections for good contact and fully charged battery, may just need starter gear only or clean brushed/magneto/