Weed Eater model HD13538 wont crank after belt broke

[TurboTravis]

First post! I'm repairing my neighbors Weed Eater riding mower. He said that the engine would not crank immediately after the belt for the blades broke. I briefly looked at it last night and found the battery completely discharged. The resistance between the battery cables measures about 50 ohms (this is a problem). The positive cable from the battery to the starter solenoid is not damaged or grounding anywhere. Upon further inspection, the 50 ohms is coming from a small red wire that connects to the positive battery cable near the starter solenoid. The engine cranks fine when using a charged battery and jumper cables connected to the starter. I only did a brief visual inspection but I did not see any obviously damaged wires.

I am away from home at the moment and will resume work on it later today. Just curious if anyone has any input. I have a limited amount of time to devote to this repair so any help is appreciated! Thanks in advance.

-Travis

 

[mechanic mark]

Remove battery & take to any auto parts store & ask them to please load test battery, there should be no charge to you.

https://c.searspartsdirect.com/pd-content/is/content/Sears/L0605066

Scan through this manual & make sure belt is routed correctly & all electrical connections are tight & secure.

 

[bertsmobile1]

That small red wire is the power feed to the rest of the mower
This could include the rectifier & alternator depending upon how the mower is wired.
It also includes resistance from bad ground connection.