New battery and solenoid in a Scotts L17.542 w/ BS OHV 17.5 HP engine. Can trace voltage from battery to solenoid but when ignition is turned while sitting in the seat voltmeter goes to 0. Placed screwdriver across large poles on solenoid to no effect. Used car to jump starter and turns engine over but won't start it. Looked online and no explicit directions for testing safety switches or ingnition for novice. Suggestions?
Thanks Kevin

Kevin McKisson, April 2008

theres a black box with wires on the chassis of the lawnmower behind the seat.You have to have that bolted down aand it will unloosen if you cut your grass alot

johnnieee, August 2008

Jumping the solenoid terminals should cause the motor to spin independantly of any safety switches...go over the battery connections again, make sure you haven't missed any, and make sure the earth connection is also sound to the chassis and/or the engine itself.

John, April 2008