From: Chris Hill 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Riding mower help
Date: Mon, 05 Jul 2004 17:39:26 GMT

On 4 Jul 2004 22:19:40 -0700, scott_hutter@yahoo.com (Xlar54) wrote:

>Tried to start it today - note that previously this hasnt happened
>before... turned the key, the thing turned a few times (cranking), but
>didnt start. Tried again, this time the thing wouldnt even crank.
>Thought maybe the battery was dead (which is brand new), so I tried to
>jump it. Still wouldnt crank. Pulled the plug, and left the plug wire
>attached, touching the other end to the engine metal. No spark, and no
>crank. It has new oil in it as well. I can see the engine locking up
>IF it had been running awhile, but it cranked fine just a bit earlier.
>Any ideas? Isnt it still supposed to crank without the plug in?


Start with a vom on the battery; you may not have made a good
connection when trying to jump it and you need to know the state of
the battery.  If the battery is 12.5v or better, then it is time to
hunt for loose connections; start with the battery terminals, make
sure they are tight.  If all appears fine electrically, pull the spark
plug and try to crank the engine.  I had gas get past the carb and
fill the engine crankcase once, it wouldn't turn it all so I doubt
this is your problem but if all else fails check it.  If you don't
have 12.5v on the battery, put it on a charger for several hours and
try again.