How is a solenoid switch on a riding mower wired?

Question

I am trying to re-wire a old murray rear engine riding mower.
It has a 8hp engine with a 32" deck and has a magneto. I got it real cheap and it will run but someone has been fooling around with the wiring
and I would like to put in a new ignition switch and install a new solenoid. I don't feel comfortable with all the electrical tape and spliced wires.

Answer 1

Rule to go by........Positive red wire from battery to switch . From switch positive on start to solenoid prong...thats the small screw in front of the solenoid and some cases there two of them.

When you turn that key to start it shoots 12v to the solenoid and then the solenoid responds by shooting 12v to the big screw not the little one and coming from that big screw the sred cable to the starter. Thats is a basic simple wiring for a solenoid to starter.

Tools required a voltage tester. Autozone sells them for $4.00

Answer 2

The basic wiring for the soleniod would be battery hooked to one side with a hot lead going to the ignition switch. The other side goes to the starter and there is a hot lead from the ignition switch to the solenoid on the small connector.