Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD STX 38 keeps quitting, safety switches, stx38

Question
QUESTION: John-  I'm stumped...I do volunteer work ad a youth center and their stx38 quits everytime I let out the clutch. When the clutch is engaged it runs fine but every time I let it out even a little (2 inches) the engine quits.  It doesn't matter whether its in gear or neutral. The other weird thing is even  if I have the clutch pushed in and its running the minute I pull the blade engage switch up it quits too. The belts look right...When I manually turn the rear axle flywheel the wheels turn so I know they are not locked up and putting strain on the engine. Not sure what to do. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance...TIM

ANSWER: Hello Tim:

The Problem is the Seat Safety Switch. The Seat Safety will Not Allow the Clutch/Brake or the Blades to Be Engaged if Someone is Not in the Seat. It will Shut Off the Engine. When it Goes Bad you have the Problem you Described. On Some Mowers you can Simply Unplug the Switch and Remove it from the System. On Other Models you have to Jumper the Harness where the Switch Plugs In. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHECKING THE SAFETY SWITCHES IS JUST THAT!!! FOR CHECKING ONLY. I NEVER Suggest a Mower be Operated with a Safety Device or Switch Disconnected or Bypassed. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. 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: John- I did what you said and it still stalls.  I disconnected... tried connecting all three wires... tried just 2 wires and all with same results.  Still stalls when let clutch out or try to engage blades even in neutral.  Where do the seat wires connect to near engine (maybe thre is a short or something... If not that what other things could it be.   Thanks for all.  TIM

Answer
Hello Again Tim:

Disconnect the Shut Off Wire at the Throttle Control Bracket. Does the Engine Still Stall when the Clutch or Blades are Engaged? I Did have a Questioner a Few Weeks Ago that had the Seat Wires Grounding Against the Frame and Causing the Same Problem. Did you ocate the Breakdown? There is an Electrical Diagram at the Site Also. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John