Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Mower wont start, craftsman gt3000, mechanical connections

Question
QUESTION: Hi Robert,
I have a Craftsman GT3000 with a Kohler 23 hp vtwin engine which has been extremely reliable. I bought in 2000.
All of a sudden it will not start.
From reading past entries I assume it may be the blade safety switch or other?
It will not turn over at all. Battery is good. I arched the starter and it starts but immediately shuts off.
I by passed the seat switch, splicing wires together and hoping that was it, it was not.
How should I go about checking what it is?
Could it be the ignition switch?
the lights will not come on by switch either so I was thinking it might be the cause, but it is just mechanical connections..
thanks for your help,
Mike

ANSWER: Hi Mike
You didn't mention if you checked the main fuse. It should be near the solenoid. make sure it is good. If that is not it, you could have an ignition switch problem. Let me know what you find out.

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QUESTION: sorry, yes it was blown. I replaced it and it blew again.
This means the ignition switch itself is bad?
Can I check this to make sure before I buy a new one?

Answer
There is a dead short somewhere in the electrical system. I would recommend to replace the wiring back to the original configuration. The list as to what it could be is lengthy. However check all your wiring for proper connection and also look for a burned wire or one the insulation is worn off and touching another exposed wire or ground. If everything checks out, then you should consider the ignition switch. Be sure and take your time inspecting the wires.