I have a Yardman with a B & S Vanguard 350777 Motor. It has a problem with the starting circuit in that the negative wire from the motor shroud to the terminal posts gets hot; so hot that it cherries the bolt washer. Obviously, it has melted the negative lead.

When connecting the negative lead to the battery the tractor can be started; although the starter sounds a bit tired! But the lead gets hot very quickly; if the motor has started, or not.

Could this be a starter, or maybe a relay problem. Do I have a short somewhere?

Thanks

Brian

Loose connections generate heat, I would restore all connections and to be Solid, and try again.