Sounds like you're correct about the solenoid being the culprit. 2k ohms from the coil stud to ground sounds very high to me. You did this test with the small wire isolated (disconnected) from the stud? If you check and have 12v positive to the coil of the solenoid during the start position its time to change it as you are right.
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(2) Original, 100, 102, 124, 73, 800, #1 and #2 cart, brinly plows, disk, IH184, IH244, 1948 F Cub
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