Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): craftsman 19,5 riding mower wont start, starter clutch, starter solenoid

Question
Hi I have a craftsman 19.5 twin cylinder riding mower that wont start. The first time i tried to start it this year it wouldn't start so i used a battery jumper to jump it off. After starting I drove it out the garage and turned it off. After trying to restart it simply wouldn't start! I tried jumping it but got nothing. after fooling around with it for a few hours i figured it needed a new battery and tried to push it in the garage, thats when i noticed it seemed to be stuck in gear! (and yes it has the hydrostatic transimission) Anyway the next morning i bought a new battery and still nothing! I took off the solinoid thinking that might be the problem but i had it tested and they said it was good, a guy suggested i take the plugs out and try to start it that way.  I did but still nothing so finally i put the plugs in reconnected the battery and was about to give up when suddenly it tried to start, cranked over and everything, however after that 1 time its right back to square 1! also i read in someone else post about a whining noise coming from around the key area, mine does that sometimes.  do you thing by it being stuck in gear that some safety mechanism wont let it start or should i try to replace the starter? thanks for your help!

Answer
HI

HAVE YOU CHECKED THE STARTER CLUTCH AND HELIX  AND PINION  THEY MAYBE DAMAGED AND STICKING AT THE TOP OR THE STARTER SOLENOID MY BE FAULTY

BE SURE THAT THAT  KEY SWITCH IS NOT STICKING IN START MODE WHEN IT SHOULD BE BACK TO RUN

NOTE THAT WHINNING NOISE SOUNDS LIKE THE FLYWHEEL RING GEAR DRIVING THE STICKING STARTER CLUTCH
AND ALSO THE STARTER MOTOR AT SPEED  -  PLEASE CHECK STARTER CLUTCH AND STARTER MOTOR AND SOLENOID   AND COULD EXPLAIN LOCKED UP CONDITION  

CHEERS HOPE THIS HELPS


PAUL