My old Murray riding mower suddenly won't start. I've tested the battery, put in a new spark plug and this morning I changed out the solenoid. Still no turnover, nothing. Then I noticed that the right rear wheel is seized up & won't turn. I stepped on & let out the brake a few times & nothing happens.

Could this somehow be related to it not starting (such as it won't start if in gear, the blade is engaged, etc.)? And what could be causing the rear wheel seizing? I am an older single woman & trying to fix this myself. Any help is appreciated.

Hi,
Did you check the fuse? It is in the smaller red wire that fits on the solenoid with the larger battery cables. Incidentally, it MUST be on the side the battery hooks to or there will not be voltage in the harness to make anything work.
That and you did not mention the key switch. The validity of the solenoid can be checked by jumering from the battery side to the small post. That should spin the engine over with a good solenoid.
Peace,
Clarke

I've changed the fuses twice and I reassembled the new solenoid exactly as the other one. It's not even turning over. The key switch?? It seems to turn fine & the wires look good. What do you mean "validity of the solenoid can be checked by 'jumering' from the battery side to the small post"?