Thank you for your welcome responses. I do have a couple multimeters, I like the idea about powering the starter and working back. I just had fears I'd damage the electronic ignition module applying power at the wrong place. The little tractor was running when he bought it. Might have...
I hate to jump on a forum and immediately ask for help - but I'm at wits end.
I've owned a JD 445 garden tractor for 24 years. There is no part of it I have not disassembled for service or repair - including timing gear, water pump etc. I've never a problem I couldn't reconcile. Great...