Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): engine died and wont turn over, sears craftsman lawn tractor, craftsman lawn tractor

Question
Hi John,
I've a six year old Sears Craftsman Lawn Tractor 17hp Kohler, Model No. 917.272084, SN 032802C001767.  I was cutting my lawn for the second time this year and it had been running for about 20 minutes when it just died.  It died quicker than it would have if running out of gas, but there was one hesitation to alert me something was up.

I tried to turn it over and there was nothing (no click nothing, though the headlight will come on) so I thought it must be electrical. The battery measured 12.8V, the seat safety switch is working (open when not on the seat, closed when sitting), and the fuse was not blown.  Is there a way to test the (3) relays under the hood?  Could it be the ignition switch?  Thanks in advance for your help.  PS, Last summer you diagnosed and led me thru a sheared flywheel key repair.  Thanks again, Ken

Answer
Hi Again Ken:

I Hope All is Well at Home. Thanks for the Good Words and Your Welcome for the Assist, then and Now. All Three Relays are the Same. Exchange the Center Relay with One of the Outer Relays. Do you have Power Now? Have you Checked the Current to the Ign and the Current from the Ign to the Starter Solenoid while Holding the Ign Switch in the (Spring Loaded) Start Position. If there is Current to the Ign Switch and None Going to the Starter Solenoid, then Either the Relay is Bad or a Safety Switch is Bad. To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action and Enter the Model Numbers (917.272084) and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists for you Equipment Using the "View Sub Components" Section. Select the Electrical File. 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