Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): YardMan electric clutch not functioning, electric clutch, safety switches

Question
Model#: 14AU804H401
Serial #: 1d112h10182

I was doing the spring thing: change oil, filter, lube, change air filter.  Once completed I went to try out the mower and pulled the PTO switch and the mower didn't engage.  I checked the fuse by the fuel tank found it had melted, changed it out and still no go on the deck.  Next, I thought it was the PTO switch (my 4yo played A LOT on the mower over the winter), changed it tonight and noticed something different, if I tried the switch enough times I was able to get the clutch to move a little, but it only lasted for a split second.

So I was wondering if the clutch has given up and so how could I verify if that was the true problem or if I have a short someplace in one of the safety switches.  I checked the voltage of the 2 wires going to the clutch when the key was on (the engine not running) and I had about 10V on both wires.  So I was assuming the electrical was fine (but not sure).

Whether this is relevant or not: I also noticed that if the engine was running and I tried to pull the switch to engage the deck, while not sitting on the seat, the engine still ran, both wires are hooked to the seat safety switch, which is not supposed to happen, which tells me that maybe I do have an electrical problem which would send one of the wires going to the clutch to ground.


Thanks for any info.
Nick

Answer
Nick

While the mower not running turn the key to on only! while someone sits on the seat pull the PTO switch,you should hear a click at the pulley. If not then unplug the connection by the PTO Clutch and using a electrical meter set at 12 V DC  check o see if you have a good 12 V on one wire only.check the wires together and then check each one to a good ground,you should have only one hot not both. You may have some wiring problems, maybe the seat switch is bad or there is a pinched wire from the seat switch.