I have fully charged the battery, and even tried jump starting from the car, both no good, so I think I have eliminated the battery being flat, I notice a click when I turn the key but nothing else, when I first tried to start it , it turned ove a couple of times but then nothing, so that's when I went to the battery, I removed the key mechanism and cleaned all the connections, but that didn't make any difference, what else could it be?

It has a Vanguard 16Hp OHV
Model 28Q777
Type 0674-A1
Code 970116ZE

Pete Lawnking, August 2008

hello i have a rover lawnking 16hp it was working perfectly one day the next i put my foot on the brake every thing the same it started once i released my foot from the brake the engine stopped i replaced the brake solenoid nothing relaced new ignition swith new fuse and repaced solenoid that goes to battery and starter motor
absolutely stumped

paul, September 2012

Try engaging the foot brake, then pressing the blades button "off" while you turn the key (whilst sitting on it).

Failing that clean the battery connections and retry using the above steps (as it engages all the safety mechanisms).

It sounds like the switch as mine used to do the same thing. Hope it helps

(If this still doesn't work you may have a hydraulic engine. This simply means that the petrol has seeped into the head and the piston cannot compress it. If you remove the oil dipstick and it smells like petrol, remove the spark plug, try to turn it over then drain and renew the oil). Try the simple one first !

James, September 2008

Phil's right. It's probably the selenoid. On most of the units it is under the panel between your knees in front of the seat. There are usually two screws holding that panel down. Once you remove it you should be able to quickly identify it by tracing the cables or the clicking sound.

Jimbo, August 2008

Most likely a failed solenoid. Bridge the two heavy contacts with heavy gauge wire (jump lead or similar). If engine cranks, problem confirmed. Not too expensive to replace.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, August 2008