Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): starter drive, john deere, john deere lx178, deere john

Question
john deere lx178 with 15hp kawasaki, when i start it and let key back to run, the starter drive keeps spinning, the solenoid engages and disengages but the drive keeps spinning. It seems to me that it would be the ignition switch but cant be sure, please help.

Answer
When the starter keeps spinning pull the small wire off of the solenoid.  If the starter stops you need a switch, if it keeps spinning you need a solenoid.

FYI... this is a fairly common problem.  You probably can get by if you remove the solenoid and clean the gummy deposits on the solenoid plunger.

Kudos go out to you Rick.  You actually spelled solenoid correctly.