Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): hot wire, hp briggs, hot wire

Question
I have a craftsman 38" rider with a 14 HP Briggs that hadn't been run in forever.  I started it once the other day and it seemed fine.  I tried to start it today and the black wires coming from the ignition switch started to smoke and got real hot.  It also acted kinda hard to turnover.  I have turned it over fine with plug out. Thank you

Answer
Hiya Kat
You have  short.  Trace the smoking black wire.  Hopefully it goes to the solenoid and this is all you'll need to replace.  They're not terribly difficult, just draw a little sketch and label the wires with tape and pen.  REMOVE the Battery before progressing further!  Remove the two large wires and probably only one small wire, then the two bolts that hold the solenoid on.  Small engine shop can order it for you (NAPA and maybe even O-Reillys can get it)

Lemme know where the black wires go ok?