Ariens hydro tractor blowing a fuse when turned to run

Hello all,

I've been having an issue with my Ariens 54" Hydro Tractor (model 936055) with the fuse blowing when I turn the key one turn to the "accessories" switch (before the run and start). After the old unplug everything, then plug stuff in until the fuse pops, it looks like when I unplug the regulator (right at the regulator with the three wire connector), I am able to turn the key without the fuse popping. When I plugged the regulator back in, it pops... So I pulled out the regulator, ordered a new one, waited two weeks, and replaced the regulator and POP! it blew again. In the wiring diagram, it looks like the only other thing on that circuit is the stator, but I can't seem to find it. Does it sound like I've properly isolated the issue?
Where can I find the stator on this bugger? Can I run the mower without the stator? (I'm new to troubleshooting, so I'm not real sure what the stator does)? Any other suggestions from the community?

Thanks in advance!

 

Leave the double connector unplugged from the regulator and just plug in the single wire and see if it still pops.

 

I assume you mean the B+ connector (the middle one)... I fashioned a connector so that the middle one was the only one connected and the fuse remained intact. (thank you for your quick reply... it took me a bit to get back to this)

 

I assume this means the stator or a wire going to it is fried? Does the stator just power the lights? I still can't trace the white wires (from the two AC prongs of the regulator) anywhere without taking apart more stuff... is that next step?

 

Ok, apparently this is a kohler command engine?

If so, and plugging the b wire to the middle connector of the regulator doesn't blow the fuse unless you connect the other two stator wires, then it sounds like a bad regulator. The regulator should not allow current to go from the b wire to the stator legs.

Check for AC voltage from each of the regulator legs with the engine running full throttle and post results.

 

It is a kohler command engine. Is there a trick to getting the wires out of the harness? I couldn't get the wires undone, so I pulled the flywheel off out of curiosity and the magnets on the flywheel where all torn up. Obviously, that's not good, but would that cause the short?

 

If they were able to chew up the wires on the stator, then yes, it would cause a short.