A year ago one of my sons left the mower in a lower section of our yard near a creek. The mower got flooded. I cleaned everything inside and out, replaced the starter and the battery. The problem is that the motor has a hard time catching when you turn it over. Sometimes I have to jump it to get it to start and even then it doesn't always start. Could there be a problem with the solenoid or ingnition switch. The mower is a Craftman with an 18 horse briggs and stratten motor.

Well, actually if it starts fine when you jump the engine, I would suggest that you check the cables. Just a thought, but there may be internal corrosion on the cable strands and causing a voltage loss. Also, check for a good ground where the solenoid mounts to the body of the unit.