Engine will not crank.
Dead battery Blown main fuse Transmission not in neutral Clutch pedal not depressed fully Clutch safety switch defective Blades are engaged or defective switch Starter solenoid defective Defective starter First make sure the battery is fully charged and the transmission is in neutral.
Depress the clutch/brake and lock it.
For safety purposes suspend the drive wheels off the ground.
Next check the main fuse, some models have two fuses, one for accessories and a main fuse, usually located near the ignition switch.
Now try to start it, if the engine turns slow or you hear a chattering sound the battery is low or bad if nothing happens locate the starter solenoid (stay clear of the deck in case the blades are engaged) and jump across the two main top posts with a screwdriver.
If the engine turns over one of the safety switches is keeping it from starting or the ignition switch is bad.
With the drive wheels still off the ground you can check the clutch, blade and neutral switches one at a time by using a piece of wire or paper clip to jump the two terminals of each switch (still keeping clear of any moving parts).
Never leave a safety switch bypassed, they are there for your safety.
Engine turns over but will not start.
Clogged fuel filter Carburetor float/needle stuck No power to fuel shut off solenoid, stuck or defective Fouled spark plug grounded ignition coil or defective First make sure the drive wheels are suspended off the ground.
Lets check for spark at the plug first by unplugging the plug wire from the spark plug.
Insert a good insulated screwdriver into the end of the plug wire, hold the shank of it about 1/16" away from a clean surface and crank the engine, making sure not to touch the shank (you won't hold on to it long if there is spark).
If no spark unplug the single black wire running out from under the front of the engine cowling and try again.
If you have spark now most likely the seat switch is defective, grounding the coil.
If no spark the ignition coil is defective.
If you can see a spark with the black wire plugged in remove the spark plug and check it.
You can also check the plug with the wire connected to it holding it against a clean surface grasping the wire and cranking the engine checking for spark.
If you have spark at the plug with everything plugged in and still no start, check for fuel.
Disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor to check for fuel flow (if the fuel tank is mounted lower than the carburetor you'll have to crank the engine to activate the fuel pump).
If no fuel flow the fuel filter is clogged or the pump is defective (if equipped).
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If there is fuel flow wipe up the fuel and plug the end of the hose for now.
Remove the carburetor bowl bolt or fuel solenoid (if equipped), If equipped with a solenoid with the wire connected hold the body against a clean surface and turn the ignition switch on, not crank, the plunger should retract if not verify power to it.
If power is present the solenoid is defective cutting off fuel.
If equipped with a bolt instead of solenoid and has a hole through it and one up the center make sure they are open by using a small drill bit by hand and cleaning them thoroughly.
Some carburetors don't have holes in the retaining bolt, instead the main jet is up through the center of the carburetor and should be cleaned the same way.
If the holes are clean remove the bowl and temporarily connect the fuel hose to the carburetor.
If no fuel flows out of the carburetor the needle is stuck not allowing fuel to enter.
Make sure to clean up any spilled fuel before attempting to start the engine.