I appreciate all the help guys. I ended up going with jackssmallengines.com. I was able to get a new starter for $70, the local shop wanted $125
. I got the starter hooked up, a brand new blade, and changed my oil and it fired right up with no trouble. And just in time too! I was having to use a machete to get to my shed! To give you an idea I will attach a before and after shot. Been fighting my lawn mower for weeks and with all that rain, it was a jungle.