OP
dieselscout80
Veteran Member
I hadn’t considered a bad starter, but I guess I should because the previous owner caused the solenoid to melt. I can take the starter off my old mower and try it.That sounds like the solenoid is engaging and the starter is not getting the required voltage or amps to engage the starter.
Could be a bad starter, low +12V wire going to the starter, a corroded or bad connection at the starter itself.
Next step is to verify the actual voltage at the starter when the key is moved to the start position.
I hope you post the final fix once you find it.