Re: ELECTRIC START - looking for expert feedback
How were you getting it to turn over did you replace the solenoid? Clean the grounding strap on the starter solenoid. I would replace the ground wire entirely (I've seen them look great on the outside but toast on the inside).
You are correct that the only electric associated with the the choke is the choke solenoid, and there is no way that would stop the motor from cranking.
If you get it to crank again spray a little premix 50:1 down the throat of the carbs. If it tries to start on that premix it is a fuel issue. What year is the motor I am not going to go cross reference the model number to pull the year. If the motor will run continuously while you are spraying premix down the throat of the carbs then you have a fuel delivery issue.
You also have a an issue in the electrics. Always start with the simple stuff did you have the battery load tested? You can obviously jump the solenoid and ground connections and make it fire so it really is working backwards from there. Verify the Neutral safety switch that would be my most likely culprit.
