Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): starter problems on a 17 hp kohler, john deere 265, starter solenoid

Question
HELLO I REALLY NEED SOME HELP I HAVE NEVER RAN ACROSS THIS BEFORE NOR HAVE I HERD OF THIS HAPPENING BEFORE. I HAVE A JOHN DEERE 265 RIDING LAWN MOWER IT HAS A 17 HP KOHLER ENGINE THE PROBLEM IS IN THE STARTER. WHEN YOU TURN ON THE KEY TO THE START POSITION THE STARTER WORKS AND THE BENDIX AND THE GEAR RISES TO THE TOP AND SPINS GOOD THE PROBLEM IS WHEN YOU TURN THE KEY OFF THE STARTER KEEPS RUNNING AT THE SAME SPEED AND WONT STOP UNTIL YOU DISCONNECT THE BATTERY OR IF THE BATTERIE STARTS RUNNING LOW THEN THE BENDIX WILL THEN DROP AND THEN IT WILL SHUT OFF. WHEN THE STARTER WAS BOLTED TO THE ENGINE AND START IT THE STARTER WOULD ENGAGE AND STAY ENGAGED. THE ENGINE WILL START AND WHEN YOU TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION THE ENGINE WILL STOP RUNNING BUT THE STARTER WILL STILL BE SPINNING THE ENGINE OVER UNTIL THE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED. I AM CONFUSED AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DUE CAN YOU HELP ME OUT...

Answer
Hello Jeff:

No Worries. There are 2 Possible causes for this. 1- The Starter Relay (AM108843) Contacts Are Sticking and Keeping the Starter Solenoid Engaged. Start the Engine and Unplug the Relay. If the Starter Disengages from the Engine, then the Relay is Bad. If the Starter Stays Engaged to the Engine, then the Starter Solenoid is Bad. I have Seen the Relay Go Bad and Damage the Starter Solenoid and Both had to be Replaced. Replace the Starter Relay.   2- The Starter Solenoid (AM102577) Contact is Sticking. Replace the Starter Solenoid. The Solenoid is Sticking and Keeping the Starter Engaged. When this Happens, the Problem you Described will Happen. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, then I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John