this is a Simplicity lawn tractor, 15 HP Briggs & Straton Engine. new battery, new solenoid. new relay switch, new starter, new starter switch, new plug. checked all safety switches & all are in order. turn key to start and just get a clicking noise. lights go on and stay on. if i try to start engine by turning the key off and on continuously the starter gets very hot and if i do not stop trying to start the engine am afraid the starter will burn up. anyone have any idea what the problem could be. Ready to scrap the lawn tracto and its only three years old.

How easily does the motor turn by hand? Try using a battery jumper cable and go from one solenoid stud to the other with the key ON. If it works that way, there is something wrong between the key and solenoid. If it acts the same way, something is wrong with the starter or motor. Make the connection quickly to avoid heavy sparking at the terminal.

There are several thread on this problem and it can be a variety of things. I would remove the spark plug first thing and see if the engine turns freely then. Be ware that if it is hydro locked, as suggested above, gasoline may squirt out so provide for this hazard.

Suggestions for other testing are above.

I don't see where you mention having adjusted the valves which is probably the most common cause for hard cranking and you may have now fried your starter. I have detailed instructions for adjusting your valves IF you would like them. Address below, put in proper format.

Walt Conner
wconner5 at verizon dot net

Walt reminds me that sometimes I don't give enough information, but I don't want to write a chapter like mownie. :)

Since I work on these things almost every day, I get to step one or two and then I stop advising.

I didn't get into the next things I would check, like a hydrolock, or seized starter or piston.

Thanks for the jog, Walt.