Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Short, switch or other?, blown fuse, bidex

Question
I have a Cub Cadet, RZT 44 I believe, zero turn mower that will not start.  The mower was little used and then held in storage for almost two years. It worked well to that point and had only been owned for about 6-8 months with no problems but then parked.  It is an 18HP Briggs Twin (Vanguard?).

Since trying to revive here are the symptoms and what has been done, unfortunately it is in a hard location to get it to a shop and I’m hoping to get some direction.

Our first step was to blow and brush the machine clean and replace fluids. We then spun the flywheel to ensure it was not seized, it wasn’t, and that we felt resistance from compression, we did. Handles were in “Neutral” position, choked, pto off, braked, etc.  Upon turning the key we can/could hear the starter spin but saw that the “bidex” did not engage the flywheel gear to turn the engine, then upon immediate release of the key the fuse blows.

We can however hold the key in the start position and see the starter spin the bindex indefinitely, but it won’t engage and fuse always blows.  The fuse was a 20a and a 30a was tried for good measure.

Our local Cub dealer (a real dealer not chain), who sold the mower to my father originally, said replace the bindex and the inability to turn the mower over shorted the fuse.  Bindex is now replaced and same exact symptoms as before.

I have searched the Internet and can’t find my exact situation described.  What really confuses me is even if a short occurs upon key release why won’t the starter engage anyway.  

From reading I am thinking shorts and bad switches but seemingly it should start regardless since the starter is spinning but gears never meet to attempt to turn the engine.  Could the ignition switch be faulty and a voltage drop be preventing the starter from reaching a rpm fast enough to engage? Is solenoid an issue here? Ants in contacts or faulty safety switch somewhere but why the blown fuse and half working bidex/starter?

Any help appreciated,

Louis


Answer
Hello Louis:

Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Numbers Should be Similar to this;"17AE2CG". Have you Removed the Engines Blower Housing (metal engine cover) and Cleaned Out Any Nests Under it? Mice Love to Make Nests Under the Blower Housings. They May have Chewed a Wire from the Stator/Alternator or the Voltage Regulator and that is What is Causing the Fuse to Blow. 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