On Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 7:04:58 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Wed, 13 May 2015 05:33:32 -0700 (PDT), Frank Thompson
wrote:

On Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 7:40:40 AM UTC-4, bob haller wrote:
On Sunday, May 10, 2015 at 5:24:29 AM UTC-4, Frank Thompson wrote:
doing trouble shooting on 3 yo lightly used keyed brush mower.. which is most likely and which is most unlikely candidate for problems.
ignition switch
solenoid
starter

Battery is fully charged & when key is turned to start only a clicking sound occurs

good luck on getting parts. might be better off to install a non keywed switch or relay

would prefer that if I knew it would not damage electric system


Forget my statement about the "P" lead. The Briggs electric start is
an inertia drive starter with a solenoid switch. Grab your booster
cables and "jump" the solenoid. If the starter works you know the
problem is in the switch, solenoid, or wiring. If it does not, it is
battery, cables, or starter.

If it starts jumping the solenoid, use a small jumper wire from the
battery side of the solenoid to the "control" terminal of the
solenoid. This is the wire that goes to the ignition switch. If
jumping here (battery power direct to solenoid coil) makes it work it
is wiring or switch.

If neither works, use booster cables from battery positive to starter
lug, and try. If it still does not work jump from battery negative to
engine ground (starter mounting bolt works good). If it still does not
start it is either the battery or the starter. Jump from your car
battery. If it starts, your battery is FUBAR.. Remove battery and put
jumpoer cables from car to battery cable ends. If it starts then, you
know it is JUST the bad battery.. If the battery is hooked up
backwards the starter will spin but will not engage and crank the
engine because it is running backwards.

Welcome to the club. I suggested the direct test, using battery
cables, in my first post, days ago. I did hear something about him
trying to run the starter with 10 gauge wire.....