clarification to post above. When I stated "When I turn the key to the start position" I meant to state "When I turn the key to the CRANK position"

Thanks

UPDATE: I have read on other posts the procedures for testing the starter solenoid (I know what a solenoid is now). As per mownie's procedure I jumped the small solenoid post (solenoid control wire) with the big double wired post on the solenoid. The solenoid just "clunked" eachtime I jumped these connections. No power was getting to the starter. Is it safe to assume that the solenoid needs to be replaced?

As a second test I verified that the starter still functions by jumping the starter directly with the positive battery post using a jumper cable. I hope this was ok to do.

Thanks again for your help!

"As a second test I verified that the starter still functions by jumping the starter directly with the positive battery post using a jumper cable. I hope this was ok to do. "

Sure, fine, good test.

' Is it safe to assume that the solenoid needs to be replaced? "

IF the battery cable connections are clean. A poor, corroded battery cable connection, connection to solenoid and out of solenoid could cause this. Check this cheap thing first then probably solenoid needs replacing.

Walt Conner

Thanks Walt. The cable connections to the battery are tight and clean. Likewise the cable connection to the solenoid posts are tight and show no abnormal signs. I will go ahead and look for a comparable replacement for the solenoid. Thanks much for the expertise!!!

my troybuilt model#30042sr won't say anything.changed the solenoid and plugs. but still no sound.

I had same exact starting problems with my Murray Model 425618x48B 18 HP 42" cut. I would charge battery and it would start the next 20 times but then had to recharge again. Battery tested out fine and solenoid is ok. Then I accidentally stumbled onto this.
TRY THIS: If you have Hydrostatic Automatic Drive transmission - While turning key (cranking) tap or move speed control pedal (right foot) slightly. When I do this mine starts. Why? I don't know but it works.

To: Poppy: If you are waiting for that engine to say when it is ready to start, or is tired of running and needs a rest--let me say---you need a long rest!

Murray riding mover was running OK. Took a short break and came back to start up and when I turn the key...nothing.
Took the battery out and had it checked--its good. Replaced the fuse and tried again but when turning the key...nothing happens.
Any ideas as to why to try next. I thought it might be the ingition switch but that looks pretty hard to replace. Anything else before I try that?

Sounds like a safety switch.
Either clutch/brake switch or attachment/PTO switch.

My Murray riding mower dont start, it is not getting gas to the carburator; can anyone help? Thanks a bunch, Greg

Yes! Stick a thin wire thru the breather hole in the gas cap, blow some air thru it, and try it again! It sounds as if a little mud wasp has laid an egg in the breather hole and plugged it up! Happens a lot, this time of year!
RJ
Also, see if it will run without having the gas cap on it. just be careful-and don't drive it without the gas cap!

I'm having same problem as Steve with my girlfriends old Murray model 42590x92 not starting after taking a break from mowing. Can't find a manual anywhere. Does anyone where the safety switches Bill referred to in his response to Steve are located?

Mystified, please start a new thread and give us more specifics. IE is it cranking but not starting, is it starting initially but won't restart hot and what engine it has would allow us to help.

The mower starts but in seconds stops
Was running great
What might the problem be

I've got a Murray select 30 inch 12 hp. When I try to crank I get a loud click. I checked the safety switches and all three change state. I have 12 volts at line (battery) side of solenoid. I have 12 volts at little control wire of solenoid. No voltage. At starter side of solenoid. If I jump two posts of solenoid it cranks great but no spark at plug. Any ideas.

Hello,

My neighbor has a Murray 12hp riding mower that he bought used. It ran fine when he brought it home but now all of a sudden it won't start. Nothing happens when you turn the key... dead silence. The wires seem to be connected properly and the battery has juice. Any ideas?

You may have to delve into this further. Check the fuse behind the panel, have the battery load tested, verify 12 volts at the trigger wire on the solenoid when the key is turned. Good places to start.