Re: HELP!MyPT425stopped deadinits tracks,andwon\'tstart
I haven't worked on your particular engine, so I'm going from general info. It is hard to theorize a single problem that can cause your trouble. A sticking starter solenoid can blow the fuse, and recur when you replace the fuse. The engine shutdown, however, isn't easily explained. I assume the switch kills the engine by grounding the mag wire, which should be completely independent of the starter circuit, and for that matter, any 12v circuit. It seems unlikely that the switch or wiring would fail so as to energize the starter circuit and ground the mag, unless something is pretty melted.
Checks of the starter circuit have been suggested. If it doesn't stick independent of the "ignition" switch, try unhooking that plug again, and jumping to the starter again with it off. If the engine starts, you can suspect a switch failure. Of course, then you have a problem getting the engine to stop. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
On my 1845, the guy doing the wiring didn't want to cost the boss anything extra, so there is also little slack anywhere, That has made it prone to pull a connection apart on its own, now and then. Some connectors and screw connections were assembled with considerable strength, as well, resulting in some broken strands. Again, however, I can't think of any single failure that will shut down the engine and evergize the starter. (There isn't a solenoid operated fuel shutoff or a relay in the mag ground that is held open when energized, is there?)