Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): troy bilt riding mower, ac volts, exposed wiring

Question
I have a troy built and the model number is 14051 serial number is 140510100994 I was wondering if you could give me some ideas why my mower keeps blowing a fuse shutting down my blades and the mower running on battery power only. When I replace the fuse the mower will run for a about 10 minutes before the fuse blows again. I can't find any exposed wiring.

Answer
Hello Michael:

From your Description it Sounds Like the Stator (Charger) or Voltage Regulator is Not Operating Properly. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Unit at this Site Addy, http://www.buymtdonline.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Home_TroyBilt_10101_19502_... and Select Use Our Detailed Parts Finder. Then Enter the Model Numbers (14051). 1- the Stator, Check the Voltage at the Battery with the Engine at Full Throttle and the PTO Off. If the Battery is Showing 12.5 VDC or Less, then the Voltage Regulator or Stator is Bad. For Testing the Electrical (Charging) System on Mowers you can Use this Site Addy; http://faqs.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faqs.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3438&p... and Use the Link for AC Volts/DC Amps Meter Setting Chart. This is for Briggs Engines and Works Well for Kohler and Other Engine OEMs. The PTO Ground May Also Require Cleaning or the PTO Clearance May Require Setting. The Following is a PTO Test File I made. Any Input is Appreciated. **If you have an Ohmmeter, Disconnect the Wiring Harness from the Front of the Clutch and Check the Resistance of the Clutch. You should have around 4 or 5 OHMs. If at or near Zero, the Coil has Shorted.** If the OHM Test is Showing a Low Reading (3.5 OHMs or Less), then First Check the PTO Clearance and Set if Required. The Following is a Basic File I made for Setting the PTO CLearance. Any Input is Appreciated. **Some of the Newer PTOs cannot be Adjusted. If you can Get a Blade Style Feeler Gauge between the PTO Magnet and Clutch, then Set the Clearance at .015in. The Newer PTOs have the Same Set Up as the Older PTOs, except there is No Adjustments. I Suggest also that you Rig a 12 Volt Light for Testing the Current Flow to the PTO while Operating the Mower. If the Light Blinks During Operation, then you have a Bad Connection somewhere to the PTO Clutch. If the Light Stays Steady and the PTO Still Kicks in and Out, then it is the Adjustment. You can Also Try Turning the Spring Loaded Adjuster Nuts 1/4 Turn and Operate the Mower. Do Not Adjust Over 1/2 Turn. If you have Adjusted to 1/2 Turn and the Problem is Still Present and you Know the Voltage to the PTO is Steady, then Replace the PTO.** Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John