My starter seems to go bad every year. Not sure why this is happening. I think during the colder months when the battery is low, its causing stress on the starter coils. Not sure. I Just bought a starter for $49 and is an easy fix. Just annoying.
Surprised your starter lasted so long? I’ve gone through two in a 150 hours. The bendix drive is literally glued to the motor. Comes loose, and the motor spins but won’t engage. Junk. My 25 year old tractor with a 21 hp Briggs & Stratton still has the original starter.