Hi All,

First question on this forum, thanks in advance for any help.

I have a Yard Machines by MTD rider with (I believe) a 14.5 horse B&S engine. Used over the winter with the snow plow attachment and worked fine until one time when I went to use it and turned the key but sounded like the batter was dying as it cranked and wore down to nothing. Then, the first time I went to use in the Spring for grass, when I turned the key, I got nothing, no clicks, just dead air. Battery and solenoid have been replaced, still no luck. I took the cable leading from the battery to the solenoid and placed it on top of the cable leading from the solenoid to (I think it's) the starter and got a spark and clicking but still nothing when I turn the key. The kill switch looks OK as well. Where can I go from here? I have limited experience with engine repair. Is this possibly a bad starter? Any response and help is appreciated.

You state you got spark and clicking. Was the spark you are referring to at the point where you touched the wires?

Correct, where the wires touched. Basically, I took the incoming cable from the battery to the solenoid, removed it and touched it to the other side of the solenoid where the cable is attached that runs to the starter I assume. Since the engine will not turn over at all, no sounds or anything when the key is turned, I can't check to see if the plug is sparking.

Check your fuse.

Fuse already checked, but it's good. Not sure what to check next... :(