Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn tractor starter, fly wheel, hp tractor

Question
I have a 1988 Craftsman 12.5 hp. tractor and it wont start.  That starter just spins and wont engage to the fly wheel.  Is my starter bad or is there something that I am missing?

Answer
It sounds like a problem with the bendix drive on the starter.  If you take the model and type number from the engine into a dealer, they can get you a replacement bendix kit.  One thing...the bendix works on inertia.  If the problem is electrical or with the starter not achieving max RPM in short order, the problem may not be the bendix drive.  However, 9 times out of ten, if the starter turns everything else is OK.  Hope this helps.