18 Hp MTD Lawn Mower Won't start?
Proper pre -start proceedure followed. When ignition is in start position-solenoid makes clicking noise , but no start. Starter is brand new as well as battery and battery shows full charge. Cleaned terminal to new starter and fuse is not blown. Frustrated..Please advise...To weak from surgery to push mow... Thanks ...Charles
4 things to check.. fuel, air, spark, compression
gas in tank? is there an On/Off/Reserve tap in the gasline? throttle open? engine flooded? remove sparkplug.. if it's wet, it's flooded, check to see if there's a spark.. check if air filter is clogged so there's no air entering the carburetor.. may need cleaning or a new one.. the toughest thing may be to check the compression via the sparkplug hole.. if the compression is low, could be several things.. bent valve stem, carbon buildup, burnt valves may need grinding to improve seal or replacement, could be stuck valve or broken spring, camshaft chain broken or out of adjustment, could be ignition timing out of whack if there is spark but not @ the right time? Old fuel could clog the carb or sparkplug.. motor oil in the crankcase? (engine seized or turns over?).. I assume you turn the key on to operate the starter? Sparkplug wire(s) on the plug(s)? Sparkplug porcelain cracked or shortening out? Any moisture/condensation on electrical wiring or near the sparkplug? My suggestions are just to narrow down the problem.. just eliminate each possible problem til you find the cause.. Good luck 
