Intek 20hp on a Craftsman 42" rider

[waybomb]

Hello
New here.
I recently bought a used, but very much like new. Craftsman rider with a 20hp Intek.
This was an estate buy. The lady passed and the mower hadn't been used for 2 years. Drained the gas, fuel line, changed the filter, emptied the carb. added new gas. Will not start. Fuel is flowing to the carb.
If I pull the hose off at the carb, fuel flows fine.
There is a solenoid on the bowl. With the bowl off, whether the key is on or off, the plunger does not move.
Is this solenoid connected directly to the ignition switch, or are there other safety devices connected in series, that could prevent the actuation of the solenoid.
I have not checked for voltage at the plug, because I have the mower at a property that I do not live at and had minimal tools, (no VOM) plus I never expected to find a solenoid that appears to be a safety device on the mower.
Before I go back, what sort of advice can be given to troubleshoot this thing?
I did order a manual on line, but it is not expected until after the weekend.
fwiw - I am not a mechanical novice, doing all my own repairs on all my cars and other toys..
Thanks in advance
Fred

 

[bertsmobile1]

Yes the solenoid should retract
Two options
1) replace it, very expensive
2) use carb cleaner to soften the dried up gunk in the bottom & work the the plunger by hand till it frees up
Most will come good but some might take quite a while & a lot of solvent .

 

[Rivets]

Remove that fuel solenoid from the carb. Yes it is a safety device to prevent after firing when the key is turned off. I suspect that the solenoid is stuck to years of sitting. Spray the plunger with carb cleaner and physically move the plunger in and out many times until it moves freely. Do not reinstall, but hook up the wire and hold the solenoid against the block to ground. Turn the key ON, not start, and watch the plunger. If the plunger moves the plunger while cycling between ON and OFF, you’re good to go. If it doesn’t replace the solenoid. Looks like Bert beat me to it, sorry for the duplicate

 

[waybomb]

Thanks guys.