982 surging and wiring/pto issues

[goosegt]

Moderators please move to the correct forum.

Well all of a sudden a few problems came up at one time...........hoping they are related.

The Front PTO won't engage, the engine won't run unless I'm in the seat, and the engine started surging again.

SURGE: Last time the engine was surging I found a wire from the voltage regulator was burnt again. I have had to splice the two wires that go to it a few times, the connectors melt and the wires fry. This time the wiring looks good.....everything is connected.

PTO: I swapped my front PTO switch for a spare I have, same thing. Rear PTO switch also works. The PTO switches act normal, if they are on the engine won't turn over. The weird thing is that the engine WILL turn over if I am out of the seat but won't fire unless I am IN the seat. I have never had this problem or the PTO not engaging problem. I've always been able to start the tractor by depressing the left pedal while standing beside it.

The tractor is acting like the PTO is engaged while it is running, but not while it's off because it will still crank.

I am losing my mind cause my wife keeps on bitching to get a different mower, plus I need it to clear the driveway this winter.

Does anyone see a link between these problems?

Also........I thought it was my relay. It makes a high pitch squeal when the rear PTO switch is on. I changed relays and it does the same thing. I am honestly stumped because all safety switches seem to work.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks