Odd 1872 Starting issues
 

I've got an 1872 with a Kohler M18S. I've been restoring it and replaced or fixed a number of things. I got it running after a good tune up and new carb. I then replaced some spindles on the deck and new deck belt and mule belt. That's when I start having trouble. It get it started, engage the pto switch and the blades engage. Everything is fine. Shut it off. Go back to start it up in a few days but it will not turn over. I thought it was the pto switch itself so I replaced that. Weird thing is once I did that and tested to see if it turned over it did but I didn't start it. Put it all back together and won't start. So I mess around with it and some wires. I also turned the pto clutch by hand, thinking it's stuck. It finely turned over and now I can turn it off and then kicks back on. I'm curious and will see after sitting over night if it won't start. It's got a brand new battery 300/360 and before it was starting fine and running until I put the deck on.

Thoughts? Seems like something is sticking. Maybe the solenoid? The brake switch faulty? Could it be the ignition switch itself?

Ok.... so the engine won't crank. Is that correct?
Or do you mean the PTO won't engage? Your post is confusing....

It sure is, but regardless how confusing, the answer may be the same in either case. Download the wiring diagram from our resources section and use it. You have a wiring issue.

Thanks guys. I thought it was a wiring issue. Yes it will not crank. Oil light comes on but won't turn over. Sometimes it does but not sure what is keeping it from doing ever time. Didn't start doing it until I used the deck/PTO the first time.

More than likely the failure time was purely coincidental. Starting system is pretty easy system. On that tractor the brake switch and the PTO switch are the only factors in they safety section of the starting system. Like Stan said, get a copy of the diagram and follow the path until you find the issue. Easy peezy.