Post the Sears 917.xxxxxx number so we can look up a schematic.
Also find a new mechanic!

Sorry- 917-273130 I live in rural area and not too many mechanics nearby. Since I don't have a truck to bring it away from here, its been up to me.
Now, I have to worry about the wires he already cut.

Sorry- 917-273130

This post was edited by henhill on Sun, Aug 17, 14 at 9:43

Well, it's hard to know how butchered the wiring is.

This tractor has two Operator Presence Relays. (OPR)

The first thing we need to know is IF they are still installed AND functioning IF they are.

With the key ON, manipulate the seat switch.
You should hear the OPR's clicking.

They are powered through the seat switch. IF they aren't receiving power, one of them grounds the kill wire preventing spark.

Look at page 31/60 in the OM at the schematic.
Anything that grounds the M terminal of the key switch (connected to the kill wire) will kill spark.

IF you don't have an OM, click the link

Here is a link that might be useful: Owners Manual

For $33 wouldn't it be the best thing to just buy a new harness? Wouldn't that eliminate any shorts?

For $33 it'd certainly save a lot of guess work!

Where did you find one for $33?

I found this when I searched for the part from the scematic you sent: http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-number/Craftsman-Parts/Craftsman-Parts/183759/0071/917/Model-917273130/0247/1509200?keySuffixId=&pathTaken=partSearch&pathRender=modelComponent&documentCompId=P0301220&diagramPageId=00001&productTypeId=&searchModelNumber=917273130&subCompDesc=Electrical&brandDesc=CRAFTSMAN&modelDesc=TRACTOR&blt=11&shdMod=917273130&keyId=21

That one would work if you're rewiring the headlights.
The part you need is 40 on the diagram, not 21.

Well I guess I am red-faced for not looking closely. It is $109. for that unit brand new. Still probably less than the trouble to go through the wires.
Someone mentioned to me that there is a kill switch associated with the engagement clutch. I did change out that cable earlier in the season. Although it worked fine for several mowings- I wonder if something went wrong there? I don't remember any wires connected to it.
BTW the seat switch appears to be working as it clicks and I remember the guy I hired checking that one and saying it was good. I also checked the ground and it is snug. .He bypassed the ignition kill switch with a loop, so that leaves the engagement cable?

You are going to have to study the schematic.
Anything that grounds the M terminal of the key switch will kill spark.
Check for spark.
IF you don;t have spark, you can detach the kill wire at the ign. coil under the shroud.
That removes all kill circuitry from the engine.
If you now have spark, it's somewhere in between.The M terminal & coil.