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Fairly new mower, Poulenc Pro 17.5, was running fine then just died. Turns over but won’t start.
Any ideas where this connection (blue/black wires) goes??

Most likely that is part of the harness for the lights.

StarTech said:

Most likely that is part of the harness for the lights.

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You are correct!! Thank you. Had the hood off.
On with detective work on why it won’t start.

Check for spark, put a tablespoon or two of gas in the cylinder, or spray some carb cleaner in it, reinstall spark plug and plug wire, try to start. If it fires then dies, fuel problem, if NO fire, most likely NO spark. Next locate the ignition coil, there should be a small, usually black in color Kill wire hooked to it, unplug it. Then repeat the above steps and try to start. If it fires, then there is an electrical issue grounding the coil. If no fire with the kill wire unhooked, bad coil

Scrubcadet10 said:

Check for spark, put a tablespoon or two of gas in the cylinder, or spray some carb cleaner in it, reinstall spark plug and plug wire, try to start. If it fires then dies, fuel problem, if NO fire, most likely NO spark. Next locate the ignition coil, there should be a small, usually black in color Kill wire hooked to it, unplug it. Then repeat the above steps and try to start. If it fires, then there is an electrical issue grounding the coil. If no fire with the kill wire unhooked, bad coil

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Thanks! Have fire. Cleaned carb twice. Continuing fuel search

Do you know the engine model number?

Scrubcadet10 said:

Do you know the engine model number?

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BRIGGS & STRATTON 17.5 31R907-0018-G1

millennium3 said:

Thanks! Have fire. Cleaned carb twice. Continuing fuel search

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Does this carb have an electric fuel shut-off solenoid on the bottom of the carb bowel?

mower king said:

Does this carb have an electric fuel shut-off solenoid on the bottom of the carb bowel?

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Yes it does

millennium3 said:

Yes it does

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Saw how to test with 9v battery but haven’t done that yet

millennium3 said:

Yes it does

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when you turn the key, you should be able hear it click when the key goes into battery on position, not start. Or place your finger on it and try to feel it click.

millennium3 said:

Saw how to test with 9v battery but haven’t done that yet

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millennium3 said:

Yes it does

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Yeah, I would check this solenoid....fuel can get to the carb via gravity or pump and fill the carb bowel but, if this solenoid is not working, it shuts all the fuel from going into the venture of the carb, then the engine...and won't start!

mower king said:

Yeah, I would check this solenoid....fuel can get to the carb via gravity or pump and fill the carb bowel but, if this solenoid is not working, it shuts all the fuel from going into the venture of the carb, then the engine...and won't start!

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Seemed to click once but won’t again...and nothing felt. Won’t hurt to replace this. Thanks!

Before you buy a new one, I would do this, especially since that solenoid is not necessary for proper engine function, remove the solenoid, they usually have two flats on them that a 1/2" wrench will fit, you may have to take a cheap wrench and grind it down to fit in the space below the bowl . Anyhow, remove the solenoid, get a pair of cutters and snip the metal plunger rod off even with the top of the solenoid. Reinstall.
Unplug it and usually I wrap the wires up in electrical tape and tuck them out of the way. With the plunger rod cut off, fuel will be free to flow into the main jet when starting.