Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engines - Craftsman Riding Mower, Wont Start/ Nothing

I just got a sears riding mower model 917-270-951. Its a 42 inch cut 20.5HP briggs. Turn key and nothing. Battery ok. I believe ignition switch is ok as well and solenoid and starter I believe is ok. No power getting to the two small wires on the soleniod. Battery side of solenoid getting power but not through. Bypassed seat switch, no help. When you turn key amp meter is not moving either. I can turn the engine over by connecting 12 volt to starter though. (just wont start) I can only think there are more interlock switches but have not found them as yet. Anyone know how to bypass all the interlock switches to see if the ignition switch works and see if it will start? Do you know where they are hiding other safety switches on this model?
Thanks
junkman

Here is an on-line parts digram.
Craftsman 20.5 HP 42 in. Mower 6 Speed Lawn Tractor 917.270951 or 270951 (http://www.craftsmanlawn.com/Tractors-Riding-Lawnmowers/917.270951/)

Click on Electrical
Click on Show Parts Diagram.
This should show you all the safety switches.
hh

Check the fuse first of all. It is in line with the smaller red wire coming from the battery post on the solenoid.

on mine, if i do not depress the clutch/brake very hard- nothing . check that one. the switch is connected to the linkage somewhere. i was going to bypass it, but with kids around...........

I put a new battery in it check the fuse and it's all good..could i of burned out the solenoid considering i had to jump the old battery to get it to move? its Model number 217.270821..please any help would be thanks full


Rob

Check for power at the small white wire plugged onto the solenoid when turning the key to start. If there is power, but the solenoid doesn't click, the solenoid is bad.

could i use a volt tester to do this? if so..how could this of went bad?,,,or did i just fry it

thanks,
Rob

do you have the clutch in?

Yeah, use a voltmeter on DC volts to test this, or a 12 volt test light. They just go bad. I replaced one today, and replace several a year... they just have to be changed from time to time.