312-8 won't stop popping fuses

[GrumpyOldBastige 1]

Wire running from ignition switch to starter solenoid:  the 25 amp inline fuse keeps blowing whenever I turn the key to START.  I double-checked the wiring, replaced the fuse, and pop goes the fuse.  Tractor won't even turn over; no juice going to the solenoid. 

 

edit- I forgot to mention that, when I disengaged the deck after mowing, the tractor abruptly died.  That led to all of this happening.  Since that- replace fuse, hit the key, pop.  rinse and repeat

 

edit 2- I hear both switches when I engage the deck but only one when I disengage, does that mean anything?

 

Ideas?

Edited September 22, 2014 by GrumpyOldBastige

[slammer302 2,154]

I had the same problem before end up being a bad ignition switch

[chazm 412]

May want to pull battery & check wiring... had issues with wires rubbing on my 314

 

[slammer302 2,154]

When you unplug the ignition switch I bet one of the prongs is all burt and corroded

[Geno 1,928]

edit- I forgot to mention that, when I disengaged the deck after mowing, the tractor abruptly died.  That led to all of this happening.  Since that- replace fuse, hit the key, pop.  rinse and repeat

 

 

I would start by looking to see if the PTO linkage somewhere hit a wire and pushed it into something that could short it out.  

[GrumpyOldBastige 1]

Some more things that popped into mind:

 

1- previous to this mowing job, I noticed that I could raise the deck, but not lock it into the raised position.

2- I got the switch explanation backwards.  I hear both switches when engaging, only one when disengaging. This was when the motor abruptly shut off.

3- I'm betting that's my problem.

 

*ignition switch is two months old.  All wiring intact and in good shape.

*thinking ground, or the problem is the PTO

 

more looking and exploring to do; I'll report back.

Edited September 22, 2014 by GrumpyOldBastige