Update --- I got out the multi-meter and was going to check the solenoid and key switch but all that is behind the front mounted gas tank . Got some tools and was going to remove the gas tank . Hmmmm , there is a fuse . Maybe I should check that for the hell of it . Pulled it out and it was burned plus a prong broke off . Got the broken prong out and replaced the fuse . Hooked the battery cables up and retried the key switch . Voila ! It started . Mowed part of the lawn and it conked out . When I popped the hood to check the new fuse , the engine was smoking a bit . Added some oil stop leak plus oil , replaced the fuse and finished mowing the lawn .
The 2nd year I had the mower it smoked and I had to add oil . Apparently the oil would leak onto the manifold and smoke . I had 2 mechanics tell me that the Kohler engines were known for this because the seals would dry out allowing for the leakage .
I doubt the problem is solved unless there is a thermostat or something that lets the mower the engine is heating and blows the fuse for safety . Hmmmmmmmm ?