Craftsman Lawn Tractor; Briggs-Stratton 20 HP motor problems?

Is the problem that it won't roll over or rolls over and won't start? I will answer the question as if you are having a problem getting the starter to engage. We can rule out the starter motor because because to works when when you jump it directly to the starter. There is a small wire that goes to the solenoid This wire comes from the battery goes through your key switch and activates the solenoid when the key is put in the start position Hook up a test light to this wire, see if you have power to this wire, if you do solenoid is bad , if not it is in the wiring or switch. Worse thing about intermitting problems is they test fine when it is working so you almost always have to wait until you can catch it when it isn't working Hope this helps

Your B&S is not two cycle and it has a magneto charging system. Wiring could certainly be the problem. If the charging mag was bad and the wiring good, it wouldn't make any difference if you hooked the charger to the battery or to the starter solenoid. A dirty or corroded terminal can produce exactly the on/off symptoms you are describing. A wire inside a clamp on terminal end can corrode and lose continuity and you can't even see the corrosion or moisture. The next time the machine acts up start at the battery post with a volt meter, checking continuity at every connection, and work your way to the solenoid. You can and should check the safety switch circuits the same way. If there is an open or partial open you will find it.

Briggs And Stratton 20 Hp Intek

20 Hp Briggs And Stratton