Sears 16/6 16hp Just Clicks when trying to turn over???

Hey Guys, I recently bought a Sears 16/6 16hp Tecumseh and the wiring is janked. I got it a bit wet trying to clean it but after i did so I cranked it like normal to start it and it just stopped cranking. Stopped and looked for loose connections, nothing. So went and bought a new solenoid because lawn mower was just clicking,(Old One Looked Like Needed Replacing Anyway), so I replaced re grounded it to better clean part of the frame and still nothing. Now I tested the output coming out of the solenoid going to the starter and i was getting 6.3v. Nothing even close to the 12 needed to start it. Tried a different 12v lawn mower starter nothing and a new key switch, once again nothing????!!?? Could it be that voltage regulator/rectifier going bad? or just a dead battery?
Please Anybody Help???

charge the battery or try jumping it with a car. did you ever think to check the voltage AT the battery, then the hot side of the solenoid, then the other side while the key is turned?

When I charged the battery it was 12.6v then to solenoid it was the same. Then Out of other side when trying to start it was the same but it won't turn a working starter. So could the wiring be messed up. Could something as simple as a (hidden) ground messing it up? And Btw What does a voltage rectifier do?

Thanks, Pete

How bout the starter. Jump it streight to the starter and see if she starts

CornShuck4CE wrote:

How bout the starter. Jump it streight to the starter and see if she starts

my huskee does that. i have to put jumpers directly onto the frame (engine mounting bolt) and the lug on the starter. is your engine an OHV by chance? try taking the spark plug out and cranking it