I cleaned the starter on my 1250 during the winter. I was using it for snow blowing but the starter would jam when trying to start the engine. The starter was really easy to clean. I used
http://cubfaq.com/kstarter.html to help me, but I didn't need to bend the wrench, a regular socket worked and I used an impact gun to get the nut holding the bendix gear off.
After I did this it never had a problem even on the coldest days of the winter.