Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere STX38 starter motor, john deere stx38, starter solenoid

Question
Hello John .. I have a STX38 J.D. with a 12.5 hp Kohler engine, The starter solenoid will not completely engage  the bendix gear to the starter ring using the key switch.. However I can jump from the main battery terminal to the solenoid and this will totaly engage the starter bendix, I believe for some reason there is a breakdown of current to the starter solenoid but I am not able to locate the problem. Any help will be appreciated, Quentin

Answer
Hello Quentin:

This Problem can be a Bad Battery Wire, Solenoid, or a Bad Safety Switch that is Not Making Good Contact. **(with the Spark Plug/s Removed) To Check the Solenoid and Starter, Once you are Sure the Battery is Fully Charged/New, then Use your Jumper Cable Set and Attach the Positive Lead Onto the Positive Post of the Battery (make sure the Battery is Fully Charged or is a New Battery). Now Firmly Touch the Large Post on the Starter. If the Starter Does Not Turn and you can turn the Engine by Hand, then the Starter is Bad. If the Starter Turns the Engine Properly, Then Check the Solenoid. Firmly Touch the Small Post at the Base of the Solenoid that has the Ign Wire Attached to it. If The Starter Does Not Turn and the Solenoid Clicks, Then the Solenoid is Bad.** What are the Results of the Starter and Solenoid Check? Did Both the Solenoid and Starter Check Good? If Yes, then Check the Battery Cables for Good Connections. Make Sure ALL the Electrical Connection are Clean and Tight. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John