Mtd Ranch King great running mower but possessed at the momment

[Mirage366]

Hello, I have a riding mower with an 18hp briggs twin II, I have replaced the solenoid, Ignition switch and the wire from with igntion switch to the solenoid, After that the mower started and ran fine, Now if I try to start it there is nothing, I have metered out all connections and they seem fine except for the pos. post on the starter, It shows a direct connection to the chassis ground even after removing the pos. wire from the battery from it.. seems odd to me?

 

[Rivets]

Souled to me like your starter motor is shorted out and needs replacing. If you apply 12V directly to the starter terminal and either sparks fly all over or nothing happens, replace the starter.