I have an old Murray riding mower. Model # 38702 x8D. Built around 1996 I think. I bought 2nd hand 3 years ago. Outside of a flat tire, rider has been great. Currently mower will not start. I thouhgt it was just an old battery issue. I bought a new one, did not solve problem.
When I turn key to start, I hear a relatively loud humming noise which is accomanied by a clicking sound after about 3 to 5 seconds. Starter? Does it have a cellanoid? Seat cut off switch ( you must be seated on mower or engine cut off switch is activated).
One year ago I herd a similar sound when trying to start. I tried a little of this and a little that (shifting into and out of blade engage/disingage shifter// moving maual trans into and out of gear, while in gear rock the whole mower several inches while trying to start) and could get mower to start. No luck this year trying same approach.

Any word of wisdom trying to trouble shoot?

Where can I find Owners manual with trouble shooting guide?

Disconnect seat engine shut off control??

I have an old Murray riding mower. model # 38702 x8D. Built around 1996 I think. I bought 2nd hand 3 years ago. Outside of a flat tire, rider has been great. Currently mower will not start. I thouhgt it was just an old battery issue. I bought a new one, did not solve problem.
When I turn key to start, I hear a relatively loud humming noise which is accomanied by a clicking sound after about 3 to 5 seconds. Starter?? Does it have a cellanoid? Seat cut off switch ( you must be seated on mower or engine cut off switch is activated).
One year ago I herd a similar sound when trying to start. I tried a little of this and a little that (shifting into and out of blade engage/disingage shifter// moving maual trans into and out of gear, while in gear rock the whole mower several inches while trying to start) and could get mower to start. No luck this year trying same approach.

Any word of wisdom trying to trouble shoot?

Where can I find Owners manual with trouble shooting guide??

Disconnect seat engine shut off control???
FIRST OFF DO NOT DISCONNECT ANY SAFETY SWITCH, no I am not yelling. The clicking sound is from the solenoid, the humming sound is from the starter. Have you checked to see that all connections are tight and free of corrosion? Your starter may need lubing.

Mowerman is correct about not disconnecting any safety switch, besides a safety switch would not allow any power to anything that could make a sound. I thnik your hum could be a bad bendix on the starter. The bendix is a candycane sleeve with a gear on it that slams into the flywheel to start the engine. The hum is it spinnning but not sliding down the shaft. Sometimes it is sliding down the sfat but the plastic teethe on the gear are gone. If you remove the starter you will see the bendix shaft. The clicking? I'd go with Mowermmans solenoid thinking. Check all connections especially the terminals on the battery