I have a friend who has an old Craftsman 11hp riding mower and is having some problems. The ignition switch was broken and has been started with a screwdriver until it finally broke. I got a replacement switch today and installed it and now as soon as it is put in the "on" position the engine starts to crank but will not start. If I turn it to the "start" position it blows the 15 am fuse that is next to the battery. Does anyone have any ideas on what's wrong and how to fix it? Any help is appreciated.
Dave

Did you get a original switch (I've seen aftermarkets that fit... yet will blow the fuse... installed the original and it worked right)

I took the old switch with me and the new one has the same part numbers. I have no idea if this was the original switch.

Hmm, well go over the wiring, make sure you pull and look at all the wires along the way for any fraying or grounding out to the frame...

http://www.tulsaenginewarehouse.com/drawings/allwiring.pdf
This may help you

Thanks for the information. I'll check everything next time I'm there.
It was working the other day using the screwdriver to operate the switch until it broke. It acted like the battery was dead and had to be jumped off. Hasn't started since and blows the 15 amp fuse. Today the thing tried to start without jumper cables so I'm sure the bad switch has something to do with that.
I'll post whatever I find out. Thanks again

Because I will check mine like that, similar problem thanks.