Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman riding mower, amp fuse, thanks for your patience

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi,

I just purchase a used craftsman riding mower LTX 1000 18 hp Kohler Pro.  I was using it and went inside and left the mower running, it died.  I went out to restart it and it will not make a sound, I turn the key and nothing happened. I tried another battery still nothing, replaced the spark plug nothing.  It was running fine before this. Do you have any suggestions.  Oh I did try to start it by jumping it off by putting the postive cable on the starter and the negtive on the battery the starter turned over but the mower still would not crank.

Thanks
Lisa
Answer -
Hi Lisa,

If the blade engagement switch or lever is on, it's safety switch would prevent starting or even turning over.  Also, that switch or the one under the seat may be out of adjustment.

Let me know what you find.
Michael

Hi Michael

Ok this is what I did, there is a 20 amp fuse under the hood that I replace, i turned the key and the light came on  but the engine still would not do anything, the fuse had blown out so I did it again and just turn the key to lights they came on, switch the key on for start without engaging the clutch nothing went back to lights they where still coming on, I turned the key back to start this time engaging the clutch there was a click, went back to lights no lights the fuse had blown again so the fuse only blow out when I engage the clutch (I went to a couple of fuses before I figured this one out hehehe) .  I check the wiring and it all seem fine no wire exposed nothing burned, there was only one little pin hole size tear on one wire right as it goes into the ignition switch I put electrical tape around it.    I look under the mower while I engaged the clutch and I didn't really see any wires getting caught, the postive cable moved some but there where no exposed wires where it was by the clutch rod. So where do I go from here?
Thanks for your patience
Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa,

I suspect a short in the keyswitch or a clutch safety switch.  You could try isolating each but that might get involved.  I hate to recommend a trip to the repair shop but this problem is one of the most difficult to solve.  Sorry I can't be of more help.  Keep me posted on any progress.

Michael