Craftsman fuse

[Cromark369]

I have a 7 y/o Craftsman lt 1000 with a Kohler 17hp ohv engine. It runs great however all of a sudden it's blowing fuses. I'll replace the fuse and it lasts about 10 minutes. Any suggestions on self repair? Thanks

[Restrorob]

Post the model number off your unit (under the seat) so I can see exactly what you have.

[Cromark369]

thanks, the model is 917-272073

[Restrorob]

OK, I've looked at your unit but need to ask;

When the fuse blows does the engine shut down ?

Just cutting the chase and save un-needed typing.....

[Cromark369]

yes engine shuts down

[Cromark369]

Yes, it shuts down

[Restrorob]

Un-plug the ignition switch and check for any rust/corrosion on the switch terminals and inside the connector plug, This is the most common area. A bad connection can cause wire heating and fuse blowing.

If the above looks GOOD then un-plug the voltage regulator mounted on the engine flywheel cover, It will be a three wire plug. Test run the engine and see if the fuse still blows, Could be a short in the regulator or stator.

Post your results and we'll go deeper if need be.


Good Luck

[Cromark369]

No Corrosion, Cleaned all contacts. Still blew fuse. Disconnected reg as suggested, Still blew fuse.

[ACE]

Hey could you tell me where that fuse is located? I was going to help an older neighbor out and change a battery for her. She beat me to it ( I have been sick) and she hooked the cables backward. She said it popped when she tried to start the engine. Now it or I have bigger problems in trying to help her. When help is free if only folks would be patient. Thanks

[Restrorob]

No Corrosion, Cleaned all contacts. Still blew fuse. Disconnected reg as suggested, Still blew fuse.

Alright, The engine shuts down because when the fuse blows power is lost to the fuel cut-off solenoid on the carb.

With the above eliminated there is only two other things that are powered when the switch is in the run position. There is a small black relay under the dash area, They get moisture inside and can cause a short. I have also seen these cheap dash mounted voltage gauges short as well.

You can bypass the volt meter to see if that's the problem and take the old relay to any auto parts store and get one cheaper there than at Sears or a mower repair shop.

[Restrorob]

Hey could you tell me where that fuse is located?

If you have the same basic model unit it should be on the right side under the fuel tank near the starter solenoid.

Don't be surprised if you replace the fuse and get it turning over but it still won't start up, When the battery cables are reversed like that it shoots voltage to the coil and blows them open. Most likely that's the loud pop she heard.


Good Luck

[ACE]

Restrorob, Thanks if only she would have waited.

[Cromark369]

Ok, it looks like there are 3 relays on the right side under the dash. which one to replace or all 3?

[Restrorob]

Sorry, I didn't catch it had three.....

Give this a try, Start the unit and touch each one and see if one gets warmer before the other two. This would be a sign of bad/shorted contacts inside.

[Cromark369]

would this (heating up) be why the unit initially runs about 15 min before blowing the (first) fuse.

[Cromark369]

bypassed the amp meter and rotated the relays. problem solved (probably the amp meter). Thanks so much. Im off to mow my jungle.

[Restrorob]

Good to hear your back up and running..... http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif