Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): True Value model 545N ( MTD ?? ) blows fuses 15amp, vanguard ohv, grass catcher

Question
Hello,

Giving this site a shot

I have a 94'/95' model 545N ( says True Value on it ) but I think it's an MTD.  It has a 15.5hp Vanguard OHV Briggs engine and was given to me.  I replaced the battery in early spring and replaced the throw-out bearing in the starter motor ( plastic teeth on the gear wore down )  Ran all this summer and did not skip a beat - ran great.

Last weekend I was using the grass catcher to pick up leaves and finished the entire lawn - I think I may have clipped my mailbox with the deck or grass catcher because it was lying on the ground when I looked back - but did not affect the mower?  As I made the final pass to the curb to pick up the last of the leaves, I engaged the mower blades and the engine promptly killed - no sputter, just door knob dead. I tried to restart and it just turned over and over with no start.  ( yes, I disengaged the mower before I tried)

I disengaged the hydrostatic so I could push it back to my garage.  I waited a little bit and tried to start it with no luck - once in a while it would start for 2 seconds but kill right away and then would not start - just turn & turn.

I ran the battery down in two days of trying to start. Same results.

I put a charger on the battery and got nothing?  The carb had some sort of device under the float bowl, which I found out was the fuel solenoid and while messing with the terminal I broke the single wire off that was attached.  

Thinking that was the problem, I went to the local shop and asked a guy about it.  He said it was just a fuel cut off only used to prevent back-firing and as long as I pulled the plunger out - so fuel is not restricted - and make sure I put the throttle on low every time before I shut the mower off, it should run fine and start?

I forgot to mention before I messed with that, I checked the fuel line, which was good before and after the filter.

So I put that solenoid back in tonight after removing the plunger and the electrical wire is not hooked up to it now.

I still got nothing, no turn over, nada.  I looked under the panel at the starter wires and noticed a 15 amp fuse and pulled it - sure enough, it was blown.  So as I'm driving to Walgreens and shucking out $3 for a kit that only has one fuse I'm thinking about all the damage I caused over a silly fuse - not to mention the fact that I spent all day Sunday trying to pick up leaves with a blower/vac that felt like two weekends of work and lost most of my hearing and still have a vibration feeling in my hands - etc., etc.   This is very therapeutic to type out if nothing else  : )

I put a new 15 amp fuse in and gave the starter a turn - pop - fuse blew.  I put in a 20 amp, 25 amp, 30 amp, blew them all.  

My only thinking is maybe I overcharged the battery???  I left the charger on it all weekend because I thought I ran it down too much.  

I don't know much about mechanicals, but I'm willing to learn and try.  I found out some data online about this mower and it only has 262 hours on it - I sure like it and would like to get it going again, but I'm not sure where to go from here.

I sure would appreciate any help or advice I can get?

Do you think I need to replace the fuel solenoid or am I ok the way it is?

Is there a way to check the battery to see if it's too charged up?   I have a multi-tester but not sure how to use it?

I have a sweet double bag grass catcher that has a bad lower chute and the part # is 087361, but they want like $90.00 for it online - $90 buys a lot of duct tape, you know? LOL   I make 7-8 passes in the yard and I'm done, so I want to get this fixed up, and I have plenty of tools but need a mentor.   I also have a great snow blower attachment too.  

Thanks again for any help you can provide.  If this doesn't work I'm taking it back to my hometown to have the 85 year old mechanic master take a look - which he did when I picked it up originally.  Problem is he's 50 miles away and I would have to take the deck off to get it in my truck.  

Thanks again,
Jeff from Wisconsin
Go Packers! Go Badgers!  

Answer
Hello Jeff:

1- Disconnect the Stator/Alternator Leads from the Engine. Does the Fuse Blow? If Yes, then Check the Starter for Dragging. The Starter Windings May have a Slight Ground and Pulling too Much Current when Engaged. NEVER Turn a Lawn Mower Ignition Switch On when a Charger is Connected to the Battery. Usually it Pops the Diode in the Stator/Alternator and then the Stator/Alternator Requires Replacing. If the Engine has a Voltage Regulator, then the Regulator will be Damaged and Not the Stator/Alternator. From your Description, It Sounds like the Stator/Alternator or Voltage Regulator has Shorted. Some Model had a Relay Located Under the Seat that would Cause this Problem Also. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model and Type Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. The Model Numbers Should be Located Under the Seat and Should Look Something Like XXX-XXX-XXX. 2- I Used to Replace the Shutes About Once a Year. Now I Use PVC Pipe for the Chute and Replace the Chute About Once Every 3 Years. Remember that my Equipment is Used All Day Long Every Day so the Chute Wears Out Quicker. If you can Locate the Model Numbers for me I can Assist you Better. 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