Spade plug on the spade lug and the round ring on the bare copper colored bolt without the nut.

 

Where would the positive go? The red wire.

 

It is difficult to see...but ...do you see in the 1st picture...there appears to be a - sign right above that lug that is is pointing down?...
Now...to the left...do you see a + sign on the solenoid...right above where the braided cable goes to the starter?....connect the red to that one with the+ sign....the black plastic thing is a spade connector...slide it onto the flat piece of copper that is sticking down...and the black one with the ring ...goes on the other lug, which is the one below the - sign...you need the nuts for them

 

Ok I think I have them connected I will send a picture soon but when I connect the ground to the battery it arcs and cranks the starter

 

CSER,
Put the two round ring terminals on the bare copper colored bolt with the nut. Leave the wire with the spade terminal disconnected and do as you did before have the positive battery cable connected and touch the negative terminal to the battery. If the starter runs and tries to start the engine your solenoid is bad. If it doesn't try to start connect both battery cables make sure the key is in the off position touch the wire with the spade terminal to the connecting spade on the starter if it tries to start I would say you have a bad ignition switch.

stratocast56

 

From what you said I think I have a bad solenoid. Do you know why it does this and if I can fix the solenoid?

 

 

Thank you so much this worked. The key and everything works I can't express how thankful I am thank you

View attachment 2508991

 

CSER, It's not uncommon for the contacts inside the solenoid to become welded together. For now, leave the small ring w/black wire off and the plug. Connect ONLY the red battery cable to the copper colored terminal (the one without the nut in your pics. Touch negative battery cable to battery. If engine tries to crank, bad solenoid. You may (??) be able to take the solenoid apart and repair the contacts, but best to replace the solenoid.

If engine doesn't crank when touching neg battery terminal, connect small black ring on same post as red battery cable. Touch neg battery terminal. If engine doesn't crank, connect plug. Let us know what happens.

One point I'm VERY confused on is what appears to be a piece of metal (with solder on 1 end(?) going between the 2 large studs on solenoid. Anyone have thoughts??? Bob

 

CSER,
That type of solenoid can't be repaired it is faster and cheaper to replace with a new one. Here is a link to one for sale on Ebay.

Starter Solenoid for John Deere Tractor 320 325 Gs25 Gs30 GS45 GS75 GT225 GT235 | RE401 | Caltric | China

GT235 Kawasaki Engine All. GT225 Kohler 16HP Engine All. GS45 Kawasaki 14HP Engine 1997-2003. GS25 Kawasaki 12.5HP Engine 1997-2001. GS75 Kawasaki 17HP Engine 1997-2003. GS30 Kawasaki 13HP Engine 1997-2003.

www.ebay.com

Here is a link to one one Amazon.

Amazon.com: Caltric compatible with Starter Solenoid John Deere Tractor Lx288 Stx30 Stx38 Gt225 X266 X279 X320 X324 : Automotive

Buy Caltric compatible with Starter Solenoid John Deere Tractor Lx288 Stx30 Stx38 Gt225 X266 X279 X320 X324: Solenoids - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

stratocast56

 

Glad it worked out for you. This is the reason that everyone should take LOTS of pictures of things before, during, and after taking things apart and repairing/replacing them. Every time I forget or think "I don't need to do that, it's so simple I will remember it", I usually end up regretting the missing pictures.

 

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