Cub Cadet 1250 Starter spinning not flywheel

[jlincoln]

I had a bad day yesterday, went out started the 1604 that died (seperate post).
Started the 1250 for the season first time. Everything fine for the first 3 times I started it, then I came to a stop on a slight side hill, tried to restart it and just get a hum of the starter spinning, but not engaging the flywheel.
I took the starter off and applied 12V to it and it spins, the gears look O.K. What is the thing that looks like a small rubber like cylinder on the end that I can pull out supposed to do (if anything)?
Thanks for your help.
Not sure why the starter would not engage and turn the flywheel.
Josh

 

[pitt_md]

I don't know anything about CubCadets but most starters have a solenoid that makes the gear on the end of the starter mesh with the flywheel gear. It sounds like that is not getting the juice to engage the starter.

 

[rdbrumfield]

some starters have a solenoid to engage the starter gear, others us inertia. Could put a bit of lube on the shaft, not so much as to make it gummy.

 

[Mickey_Fx]

Yep, most likely inertia actuated Bendix. I'd take it apart and clean and reassembly dry. Oil and grease make great dirt magnets.

 

[jlincoln]

Thanks.
I'll try taking it apart and cleaning it up.
Josh