25E78C start issues

[Bullie]

I have a 25E78C that will not turn over. When I purchased the motor the starter would spin it over and I was able to check compression and spark. Now, nothing. No click. Nothing. The battery is fully charged and starts other motors easily. I have 12.8v to the solenoid. I (wrongly) diagnosed the problem as being the solenoid and replaced it. Still nothing. I am at a loss. I can jump the starter with cables just cannot make anything happen with the key. The motor is in neutral. I found one fuse on the motor and it seems good.

 

[flyingscott]

Check the neutral safety switch

 

[Bullie]

I pulled the switch out and got no difference in the reading through it no matter the position of the plunger so I suspect it is bad. I ordered a new one tonight. Another problem I discovered was a short in the wires to the key. I grounded the single wire that goes to the neutral switch and started the motor. Hopefully that was the problem.

 

[racerone]

I take those switches apart for cleaning.---Usually get the response of ---" that can not be done "----Will save you some pennies.

 

[Bullie]

I take those switches apart for cleaning.---Usually get the response of ---" that can not be done "----Will save you some pennies.

I will definitely give disassembly and cleaning a try. Not asking first has already cost me these particular pennies but knowing what to do in this situation will pay me back in the future. It does look like a very simple switch and I was sort of reluctant to buy a new one because, honestly, it doesn't look like anything should go wrong with it. I put my meter on it though and got no reading in the open or closed position so I assumed it isn't functioning correctly.