Riding mower cranks but won't start

[Lubener]

Takes a rodent about 3 minutes to absolutely wreck the wiring in a machine

Two years ago I had to completely re-wire my riding mower due to mice. Their urine also made short work of two safety switches underneath. I was looking forward at the time for the first spring mow, turned the key and nothing.

 

[AuthorEditor]

I too never run my small motors dry and I do put Marine Stabil in every can before filling them up at the gas station. Everything starts right up even after sitting 6 months or more. My snowblower hardly gets used and it starts right up when I need it.

 

[viscous]

Sorry for the delay, finally had time to investigate.

When turning the key, the fuel shutoff solenoid clicks as expected, so it's probably working fine.

I think there is no spark.

It seems you are correct. I cranked the engine while holding the threads of each plug, one at a time, against the engine. (While testing each plug, the other was left dangling, ungrounded.) Neither showed any spark.

What now?