Assuming that your battery cable connections are good, if the engine fails to turn thru compression, I would suspect that the valves need adjusting. Excessive clearance in the Exhaust Valve prevents the Compression Release from working properly and these engines will not turn over without the Compression Release working. Most of these mowers now days have lights run off the AC section of the alternator so lights will not work without the engine running. Use a jumper between the positive battery cable and the small terminal on the starter solenoid, does the solenoid click? Does the engine turn over? If so, the problem is in saftey switchs since you have already replaced the ignition switch. IF no click, no starter action, the solenoid is likely bad but before replacing it, jump directly to the starter terminal from a known good battery to make sure the starter is not bad. Still suspect valves need adjusting, I have detailed instructions from a previous post for adjusting valves IF you would like them Walt Conner wconner5@verizon.net

Hi Betty..just a hint..get your email address off your moniker to just your "my page" . Only members should be able to see it. I'll pop an email to you re: seeds :0) Wendy

It's going to be hard to find a book that offers all the minute details about renovations because each home is different and especially in older homes, it's normal to have unexpected surprises. I'm sorry you had that experience with the roofer. Yes unfortunately, there are a lot of bad construction people out there, but there are a lot of good ones too. As hard as it may be, try not to let the experience paralize you. Your interest in learning the in's and out's of what's taking place is a very good first step towards protecting yourself in the future. When hiring help, I believe in letting the professional do his job but I too learned the hard way TO ALWAYS UNDERSTAND WHAT HE'S DOING to the point that you'll know when it's wrong. Right now, our bathroom is also ripped down to the studs and it's a first for us too. At first it was very overwhelming, but once I had a plan of what we wanted asthetically, it was just a matter of splitting the bathroom into sections and reading as much information as possible about each section in the forum. I started with something simple like the tile, then the vanities, once I knew what we were doing there, I learned about building in the shower and got quotes from the contractors. Now I've just ordered the fixtures and am researching the lighting, shower doors, vents and finish work. As I started to interview contractors, I posed questions to the forum for feedback about pricing, as well as the process. I search endlessly through the different sites looking at styles and prices of things, and when I find something I like I check the forum to see if anyone has information to offer about that particular product and it's been a hugh help. Thanks to posts and advise from Bill Vincent, Mongo and a few others, I have been able to question the process and products my contractor wants to use to build in our shower and he honestly believes I know what I'm talking about! In regards to the book idea, I can honestly say SAVE YOUR MONEY! You have LIVE people, some who are professionals in the industry here that can and will help you through the process HTH -- Lukki

I just donated both items and money to a local foster program that is having an event for the kids who missed a Christmas. Apparently this holiday season they had a lot more kids added to the system than usual. Here, they are looking for things to help in the transition to a foster home. pajamas, tooth brushes, backpacks, stuffed animals, toys, books.. also games and treats to be shared with new foster families. I have been in conversations with the woman who is leading the program and I intend to start a bin of items to donate. I'll deliver them every few months (they also offered to come pick them up!). She said they especially struggle with things for older childen.. so gscience, your suggestion is right on target.