My poulan riding mower turn one turn and then drags very slowly for about a eighth of a turn and then starts the same then over again never starting even when trying to jump start it what could be wro

there are a series of safety micro switches in the system that prevents the motor from starting
you have to be in the seat, in neutral , blades disengaged and the brake on with most ride on mowers before that will start

starter is dying,try jumping the solenoid terminals if it doesnt help,then get a starter

sounds like the carb needs a good cleaning

Sounds to me like you might be having a problem with either your key switch, or more likely your starter. Although I have never had a starter go out on any riding mower Ive ever had, thats really what is sounds like. On the other hand, I have had many a key switch go bad and they act alot like your symptoms. So I would start at the simplest and work backwards.

Also, make sure blades are disengaged and also they are not bound up on the underside of the mower deck. also check the belt and its not in a bind. These thing could be dragging down your motor keeping it from starting. Let me know if I can help further. Have a Great Day! Good Luck!

pull the top cover and see if the starter gear broke if so napa has them for about $10

sounds like the battery is weak try and jump start it with your car if that doesn't help try and jump it at the block and solenoid the battery cables could be bad

your cluch is not disengaging when you step on the pedal check ajustment on cable tighten cable and try again...good luck

sounds like the clutch button went out it is a safety button

42 inch poulan belt broke on mower deck diagram to replace new belt

You have a dragging starter or it went out completely, check this out.