Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): engine will not turn over, blown fuse, 12 volt

Question
QUESTION: I have a kohler 16 hp craftsmen riding mower, Model 917.272055, electric start. The battery was dead so I jumped it with a portable 12 volt power pack and ever since I cannot get the engine to turn over. I found a blown fuse and replaced it, but every time I turn the ignition on it blows the fuse. I straight wired to the starter and it turns over, but when I straight wire to the ignition post of the solenoid it will not start. When I straight wire to the starter post of the solenoid it turns over. Would a bad solenoid cause the fuse to keep blowing??

ANSWER: Hello Raymond:

Not Usually. However, the Solenoid is Bad and Needs to be Replaced. Disconnect the Small Wire from the Solenoid. Does the Fuse Blow? If Yes, then Check the Relay (Diagram #81) and then Check the Ignition Switch. If No, then Somehow the Solenoid was Shorting Through the Ignition Switch. Go to this Site Addy, http://www3.sears.com/ and Enter the Model Numbers in the Upper Left Search Box and Click Go. Then Visually Verify the Equipment and CLick Continue. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

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

QUESTION: Thanks for your quick reply. Replaced the solenoid and still blows a fuse even when I turn the head lights on. One added note, when I jumped it with battery pack I had the pos neg posts reversed. After that it always blows the fuse.
How do I check the ignition and Relay(what does that do?)

Ray

Answer
Hello Again Ray:

That Makes a Difference. Did you Damage the Battery? You May have Shorted the Stator or the Regulator. Disconnect the Stator From the Harness. 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 Numbers CV460S-26509. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. Select Ignition/Electrical. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John