364 ztr, briggs 18 Hp vtwin

[Larry in IN]

Hi group,
Quite a while since I have been able to be here...
New trick from my [MTD} Cub cadet 364 ztr - when I turn the key off, the starter motor keeps on spinning - not engaging, just spinning. After I disconnect the batt for a while it may not do until after it runs again???
? key switch or starter solenoid?
Thoughts?
Spring has come to Indiana suddenly, sure is welcome.

Thanks to all, May God continue to Bless America!

-law

[Gary Dotson]

I would think it's most likely stuck contacts in the solenoid. Someone more familiar with these may have more insight for you, I'm just taking a mechanics guess.

[outdoors4evr]

Figure out if the safety switches still work. With the mower deck engaged, take your weight off the seat and see if the engine dies.
Either they key switch is failing or there is a problem with the safety interlock switches.

Wiring harness connections also like to fail after sitting for the winter. A lot of people clean their equipment in the fall and put them away dripping. The water can get into the connectors and corrode the connections.

[BigBill]

I usually give the solenoid a shot with a hammer to unstick it, lightly. Then put the battery cable on and try it. If she sticks again I change the solinoid. As said above water isn’t our friend,