Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Blowing fuses, craftsman 917, jumper cables

Question
QUESTION: I have a Craftsman 917.271631 and when I was mowing I turned it off and it would not restart.  I can replace the fuse and get voltage to the ignition switch but when I try to start it, it blows another fuse.  I took the starter off and hooked it up directly to the battery with jumper cables and nothing.  Also, when I reconnect the black wire to the solenoid my voltage goes away, pull it back off and I have 10 volts back to the battery side of the post and at the switch.  Any help would be great.

ANSWER: Well, we need to look at one thing at a time.  If you have the starter off, and have jumper cables hooked to both terminals of a
good battery, and the other side has the neg jumper hooked to the
frame metal of the starter, and touch the red/positive to the
terminal, and get nothing but sparks, then you have an expensive
starter problem, so check this first.


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QUESTION: Well, I did and nothing happened.  Also when I did this the voltage on the battery goes from 11 volts down to nothing.  Would it be worth rebuilding the starter or just get a new one?  Thanks.

ANSWER: Well the battery is pretty weak to make a conclusive test, it should have 12.5 volts or so.  Test it with a car's battery that you know is strong, clip the positive on the terminal, and the negative touch to the metal frame of the starter.
  On the mower itself, it sounds like you may have some damaged wiring as well, look at the wiring harness near the muffler and
also near the steering gears look for damage or heat signs, if you
find some, that is likely the root of your problems.

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

QUESTION: Well the battery was part of the problem, now the starter cranks but not enough to engage the flywheel.  Also there is a grinding sound from the solenoid before the starter cranks, It's as if it is straining.  I realy appreciate all of your help.

Answer
Remove the spark plug and try to crank it, if the engine turns
over quickly, then you may need to adjust the valves on the engine.
On you tube there is a repair shop that has these procedures on
there, just search'Lawn Mower Repair Valve Adjustment", the guy's
name is IFIXIT4U, look at the one for your engine, let me know what you find.

 Fish