engine won't turnover !

[elknailer]

I have an 18 hp craftsman lawn tractor.Twin cyl. 3spd trans W/ high and low range. I did some repair to my steering linlage and move the mower to put it in the barn later and now it wont turn over. I have power from the battery to the electric clutch and tried to jump the drive present switch. Nothing. I tried to get the motor to turn by hand and it wont budge. New oil. No rattles.
I had a friend who had the same mower and his did the same thing. He thought the motor had froze so he gave it to me for parts. when I took the motor out it turned freely. Is there a switch besides the driver present switch that would cause the motor to act the way it is. Please help.

 

[ILENGINE]

The answer is no on the operator presence switch, but a bad bearing in an electric clutch will cause it to act like the engine is locked up.

 

[elknailer]

Thanks ilengin, can I turn the clutch by hand? If the power is disconected will it reset?

 

[ILENGINE]

If it is the bearing I think you should be able to turn the belt pulley, If seized will also try to turn the engine. Will be very difficult to turn because you will be turning the engine, and the pulley against the pto brake. Disconnecting the plug will deenergize the clutch if that is the problem.

The only other safety switch that could prevent the solenoid from engaging would be the clutch switch.