Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 2003 Craftsman lawnmower, amp fuse, wire connections

Question
QUESTION: 2003 Craftsman 21HP, 48"cut, Hydro-Stat, MODEL # 917.273280

A month ago when i tried to crank the mower, it blew a fuse every time the PTO was engaged. Finally, I put a 30 AMP fuse in and it's been cutting since ...UNTIL The Secondary drive belt broke; I replaced the belt, and cranked the mower and it went about 10 ft. and the PTO disengaged. It will not engage the PTO. The engine runs good and I can drive it. AMPS seem to be really high.  Fuses are ok..Seat switch is ok..
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Bob



ANSWER: Hello Bob:

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 PTO Checks Good, then Check the Ground Wire Connections for the PTO and Check the Wires for Bare/Drounded Places. Go to this Site Addy, http://www3.sears.com/ and Enter the Model Numbers in the Upper Left Search Box and Click Go. Then Visually Verify the Equipment and Click Continue. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

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

QUESTION: I apologize for taking so long to get back with you; you're a very busy man.
Clutch Ohmed out at 3, but I did find a small wire broken at the engine side of the plug.(I repaired that wire)
The wire was just a small strand going from the hot to the negative side. The only ground I could find on the entire mower was my main ground from the battery and the seat switch. After consulting the scematic of the electrical wiring I didn't see where another ground might be. I checked both and they're o.k.
Any suggestions about what my next move should be? Appreciation in advance.
Bob

Answer
Hello Again Bob:

The Harness Ground is the Connection you are Looking for. You can Also Locate the Hot Wire to the PTO and then Attach a Seperate Ground from the PTO Ground Wire to the Engine. This will Test the PTO Ground Wire Also. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John