I have a john deere, limited edition, l118, lawn tractor. My problem is this: I cannot get the key to go into the keyhole. I don't know if a bug has gotten down into the keyhole or possibly some rust. I have put some wd-40 into the keyhole, thinking this might help, but it did not.
Do I need to buy a new starter or is there some way you might suggest I get the starter keyhole un plugged?

Thanks
Scott tanner

Assuming you mean you cannot insert the key in the opening or slot.
Are you using the correct key?
Does it matter which way you try to insert the key?
Is the key bent?
Stop using WD-40. Wd-40 is not a lubricant. It is a water displacement chemical. Hence the name WD-40. It lubricates temporarily because it is a liquid. When it dries it leaves a sticky residue. Real purpose is rust prevention. Repeated use will gum up things.

If you can't get things to work, you would not buy a new starter, you but a new ignition lock.

Unlikely that a bug is preventing you from inserting the key. More likely someone tried to insert something other than the key in the lock.