Sounds like it could be a starter drive issue. Can you rotate the engine via the screen on top? Which engine, the Briggs or Kawasaki? If you could set the park brake so you could turn the key and id the piece that was buzzing, that too could be of help.

Thanks for the response. It's the Briggs. I can rotate the engine via the screen but it's difficult. I did set the parking brake and the buzzing noise appears to be coming from the key switch assembly. It's hard to localize but there doesn't seem to be much under the dash except for the circuit board and the different switches. Not coming from the mower engage or headlight switch, but it does sound like from starter switch. Any ideas, folks?

This post was edited by rockhound758 on Sun, Aug 3, 14 at 13:36

Seeing as though it is the Briggs, verify that the starter gear isn't stuck up into the flywheel. Clunking seems like it was from the engine area I assume? You would think it would be a starter clunk. PTO clutches can seize or sometimes the starter has to try and turn the deck. If you were to try and safely jump direct to the starter, will the engine crank?Buzzing from the switch... a new one to me.

Reviving this thread a bit as my grass continues to grow unchecked...

I finally ended up having the local JD dealer (JD Equipment in Columbus--I like 'em) come by and pick the thing up. After digging into it, they say the stator is putting out too much current, and that it fried the voltage regulator and the battery. They're going to replace the stator, the VR and battery and then see where we are. I'm knowledgeable about a lot of stuff (including DIY stuff) but small engine repair isn't one of my strong suits so I'm trusting them on this one. I'm hoping that's the end of it and it didn't fry the starter and solenoid as well, but we'll see.

For those reading this, any guess on whether this will have also damaged the starter and/or solenoid?

The stator can't really put out "too much" current unless you added larger magnets to the flywheel or rewound the stator.

Likely the VR failed first and shorted the stator, IF it is bad.

I'm very suspect on their diagnosis of "too much".