Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Troy-Bilt 13AX60TG766 Wont Start, starter solenoid, resistance ohms

Question
QUESTION: I have a Troy-Bilt 13AX60TG766 that blew a fuse awhile back and now wont start. I replaced the fuse and it still wont start. I jump it off by going straight to the starter but as soon as I shut it off I have to jump it off again. What could the issue be? Thanks!

ANSWER: Blowing fuses are almost alway caused by a direct short to ground.  Have you recently did any work on the mower to include removing the deck, battery or any other parts?  Have you had the battery checked to see if it is shorted?

Most shorts are caused by a cut or break in the wiring harness.  You can check the harness by hand paying close attention to any location where the harness goes though holes in the mower frame, any place the harness bends and where the harness runs behind other parts.

Let me know if this helps.

Owner's manual link:

http://www.managemyhome.com/mmh/lis_pdf/OWNM/L0602167.pdf

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: If the battery is shorted would the headlights still come on when I turn the key to start position? Power is getting to the light so why wouldn't it be doing anything else?

Answer
You may have a safety switch problem preventing the starter solenoid from functioning.  Do you have multimeter to check voltage and resistance (ohms)?

The wiring diagram is not shown in the parts lists.  You can find the solenoid by following the positive battery cable from the battery to the solenoid.  One side of the soleniod is connected to the battery and the other side is connected to the starter.  There will be one or two small wires on the solenoid.  For one wire systems, the one wire should have 12 volts DC on the terminal when starting the mower.  When 12 volts is applied to the solenoid the solenoid connects the battery to the starter causing the starter to turn.  If you have 2 small wires one will be the exciter and the other is ground.  

If you are not getting power to the solenoid then most likely a safety switch is preventing the power from reaching the solenoid exciter terminal.  If a safety switch in not in the correct position, such as the blades are on or the mower is in gear then the mower is designed not to start.

Check the solenoid power and let me know what you find.
Eric