wheelhorse 418-A won't crank all the time.

I have been trying to fix a friends lawn tractor for her. The problem is that it will crank over only occassionally. I have put a new battery in (the old one was bad). I then tested and replaced the starter solenoid, as it tested bad also. As soon as I put the new solenoid in it started right up. However, I shut it off to do more work and it now won't crank again.
I do know that if I jumper across the terminals on the solenoid the starter will crank.

I suspect a problem somewhere in the key circuit. I can test with my meter that I have 12 volts to the battery side of the solenoid, and when I turn the key to start and test the starter side of the solenoid, I have nothing.
However, the Key switch also tests good (based on the Kohler magnum 18 service manual). I also have continuity from the S pole on the key switch, to the terminal on the solenoid.

The wiring is a mess on this thing, so I'm really beginning to wonder what is up here, although the wiring that is a mess, is for the accessories (lights, console warning lights, voltmeter etc.)

This engine does have an oil sentry on it. COuld this be the cause?
What about the

I'm totally stumped here and would really like to get this running for my friend.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thx in advance.

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Re: wheelhorse 418-A won't crank all the time. davey Saturday, October 03, 2009 (0)
Re: wheelhorse 418-A won't crank all the time. Joe Friday, October 02, 2009 (0)

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