Mike wrote:

My ex has a 1983 John Deere 111 riding mower. It worked fine last year,
but wouldn't start this spring. The battery has been replaced. I
checked the circuits, and found the problem to be the solenoid. But
after replacing it, the mower turned over once only, then was again
dead. I suspect something is burning out the solenoids, but that is
where I need help. What would cause that?

TIA

Mike

O.K. Problem solved. It was wierd because I tested resistance on the
whole ignition side of circuit with my VOM, and I could see it opening
and closing as it should have, but the starter wouldn't kick in. That's
why it looked like the solenoid to me.

Well, it turns out that the problem wasn't the solenoid, but a
connection to it. Apparently it was good enough to pass my resistance
test, but not good enough to get the voltage/amperage through that the
solenoid needed to activate the starter. Fortunately I was able to
slightly crimp the connector, and it kicked right over! I say
fortunately because a more significant problem in the wiring harness
would have required some hacking, as the JD people tell me it is an
obsolete part that is not made anymore.