if it's not one thing...

i've been having problems with my drive belt slipping off (husqvarna lgt2554). ultimately, i bought a new one. while replacing it i had to disconnect a wire that i believe goes to the electric clutch. after replacing the belt the mower will not start, it just makes a loud clicking noise. i tried starting it with said wire disconnected and the clicking noise is present, but much quieter. i've never had any problems getting the mower to start. on a side note, during my belt slippage issues, the bypass rod that allows the mower to be put in neutral "disappeared". when i looked at the manual toggle that the rod connects to, it had been broken off. not sure how that could happen, and i'm wondering if it might be connected. thoughts?

if it's not one thing...