I have a 14.5 hp briggs stratton on a ariens tractor. I'm on my third stator, and I keep blowing fuses. If I put a bigger fuse in the stator starts smoking. If I disconnect the stator, start tractor and test the stator it puts out good power on both ac and dc. I can't find any bad spots on any wires. You wouldn't guess this tractor is 12 years old it's showroom condition. What do I do? Of yeah it's a vanguard motor.

Sounds like a bent crank. If it is bent, it will smoke and blow fuses. It is probably rubbing the stator. Pull everything out of the way, pull spark plugs and turn it by hand to see if wobbles even a little. I've seen cranks strightened by hand but you have to have a very good eye for that. Good luck.

By any chance has it had the ignition switch replaced recently?

I haven't replaced the key switch, but the motor is a new crate motor, so I hope the crank isn't bent. Could the switch be shorting out?

Did this stator problem start right after the engine replacement?

Yep, the battery wouldn't charge after that. On my third new stator. I did a factory replacement so I didn't move or change anything like wiring or grounds. Now it will charge if you plug the stator in after the motor is running, but if you plug it in before you start the motor it blows the fuse. I've built lots of motors done tons of swaps, but never ran into this before.

Well, we've got some good details now.

This is not an area that I am strong in. It sounds to me like a wiring problem. That's why I asked about the ignition switch. If you still have the original motor maybe you can pull the old stator and get the exact part number off it. If you've already done this then I have no clue.

Good Luck.

It was the key switch, must have been shorted out. Replaced it and no more blown fuses.

Well all right! Maybe I did know what I was talking about after all...

Thanks for the idea! It was right on.