Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro walk behind blowing fuses, jumper cable, walk behind mower

Question
Hi John,  I am working on a Toro mower model 20070 which is a walk behind mower.  It has an electric starter as well as the pull start.  When the key is turned on the fuse blows.  I have traced all wires, checked for continuity and narrowed it down to possibly being the starter.  Today I bypassed the micro switch and it is still blowing fuses.  I wondered if you have heard of the starter shorting under a load. All this has been checked after being on the Toro site that has all of the diagrams. Thanks for the help.  Randy

Answer
Hello Randy:

If the Fuse is Blowing as Soon as you Turn on the Ign Switch, then Disconnect the Stator Wire from the Harness. If the Fuse Does Not Blow, then the Stator has Shorted and Requires Replacing. If the Fuse Still Blows, then you have 2 Wires that are Touching Somewhere and 1 of them is Grounding the Harness. If the Fuse is Blowing When you are Turning the Ign Key to the Start Position, then **(with the Spark Plug/s Removed) To Check the Solenoid and Starter, Once you are Sure the Battery is Fully Charged/New, then Use your Jumper Cable Set and Attach the Positive Lead Onto the Positive Post of the Battery (make sure the Battery is Fully Charged or is a New Battery). Now Firmly Touch the Large Post on the Starter. If the Starter Does Not Turn and you can turn the Engine by Hand, then the Starter is Bad. If the Starter Turns the Engine Properly, Then Check the Solenoid. Firmly Touch the Small Post at the Base of the Solenoid that has the Ign Wire Attached to it. If The Starter Does Not Turn and the Solenoid Clicks, Then the Solenoid is Bad.** 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