Thanks for reposting. Your observation about the brake pedal may be a clue. The brake safety switch or the rod that actuates it could be a problem. This switch is mounted off the main body and is actuated off the pedal assy itself. Usually they are a rectangular grey switch with 4 wires coming off it. If your model has only 2 wires, you also have to be on the seat to crank. If when you push the pedal down and the linkage isn't able to push the plunger on the switch- it won't crank. So look in that area and report back. Other things to check are that the PTO is disengaged and that the fuse (located near the solenoid) is good.

Thank you! Will do!

OK, upon closer inspection, it appears that the mower deck is not raising when the lever is pulled back; it is staying in the down position; when I pull the handle up it just makes a 'snap' sound; same thing when I push it back dwon; assume that means a broken or disconnected spring? Any idea where the spring is located? Thanks!

I don't know that there is a lift assist spring on these. Maybe just a missing pin and the link slipped off? I have enclosed a link that you can look at the IPL. I've seen where the engagement lever has broken on these, or an issue that the tab on the lever has and doesn't contact the pto safety switch.

Here is a link that might be useful: parts list

I discovered that the problem was the safety switch for the mower deck. It has come out of its mounting position, but I can't figure out where that is so I can put it back. The switch is located on the left side (when facing the front of the mower) below the gas tank. There is a small (3/4") square hole in the sheet metal where it appears that the button on the switch could portrude thru, and that possibly there was a mounting bracket that held it in place (this is the case with the safety switch under the seat). However, there doesn't appear to be anything beneath that hole that would make contact with the button when the mower deck lever is raised and lowered. Any suggestions on the proper location of this switch? I have taped the button down as a short term fix so I can use the mower. Also, although unrelated to the starting problem, the brake pedal is definitely having trouble stopping the mower. What's the most likely cause and fix for this? Thanks!

These have a small paddle on the deck engagement lever that hits the switch plunger. It is where the upper solid part of the lever fastens to the lower part of the lever w/ 2 small bolts. On the brake, maybe an adjustment will do. Turn the nut in the center of the brake arm on the transaxle a turn or two and give it a try. You want to not only know that it stops but releases as well.

I finally figured out where the switch mounts! There is an oblong hole near the paddle you described that the mounting tabs on the switch push thru. One of the tabs on the switch had broken off (there are 4 tabs) allowing the switch to come loose/out). A bit of advice for other readers - keep the leaves, branches, and other debris from building up in this area (below the gas tank) as well as on top of the mower deck. In all likelihood it was this debris I failed to clean out that led to one of the tabs breaking off, allowing the switch to be pushed or fall out of the mounting hole. Thanks again for the help!!!

my murray 16.5 hp engine will start & stop in about 5 second what could be wrong

If the fuel is as old as this post, that could be a problem. . .You may want to clean the carb / fuel system.

I have a Murray GT wide-body lawn tractor it ran great until I put the deck up under it. now it will crank but will go dead. Even while putting starting fluid to it. The main deck belt and it seems like it's too tight so when I spin it over the blades are turning so i connect the PTO linkage

Disconnet the pto lever