I have a 16 HP Briggs & Stratton engine on a craftsman rider that will not turn over (crank.). I know the battery is good because I just replaced it and it sparked real good when the wrench hit both terminals accidentally. The model number is 310707-0136-E1 on the engine.

It won't even click but makes a slight noise up by the carburetor (electric choke). When I remove the fuse I don't hear this noise so I think the fuse is fine. It has been difficult to start but I think that is because the old battery was about 16 months old and it was only a 12 month battery but I replaced that today with the one I described above.

A jump start from my van would always start it quickly. Now a jump won't even allow it to turn over. Where do I start? Starter, solenoid, ignition switch? Are these things easy to test? What does it mean since it isn't making the clicking sound? It use to do this even when the battery was dead but now nothing except that slight noise up by the carburetor.

Thanks,
Dan

You can test the starter by connecting booster cables to the starter.The hot to the red wire and ground to the body of your mower. Tha would be a start.If it turns over then it may be the solenoid. I hope that helps you get an idea where to start.