Aggravated!!!

[JimG1967]

I’m from the proudly reopened state of Georgia and my grass gets taller by the day. I pastor a local church here, enjoy small engine mechanics, welding and the outdoors. Been married to my first wife for 29 years and have raised 3 kids who are all doing well.

I have a 2006 Cub Cadet zrt 50. The mower has been great. I am having a problem with the 20 amp fuse blowing after it cranks and runs for 10 to 15 seconds. This is what I have done so far:

1. Check the voltage coming from the coil/magneto 35 volts at WOT.
2. Changed the voltage regulator. $70.00
3. Checked the wiring diagram thoroughly.
4. Checked the voltage regulator for proper AC and DC output - good.
5. Put new aftermarket carburetor on cause I could not find a rebuild kit for the original.
6. Checked for any and all wire nicks, scrapes, or rub throughs.
6. New starter solenoid.
7. Checked my ignition switch for continuity several times - all good as far as I can tell. Also, took the ignition switch completely apart, cleaned, buffed, and shined all connections, regreased and reassembled.
8. Checked the PTO switch for continuity - all good.
9. Checked for continuity in wires (red/black) connected to the fuse holder.
10. Checked for nicked wires on PTO clutch under mower. (the fuse will blow without the PTO switch on)
11. Pull cover off to check for rubs or burn throughs on the afterfire solenoid on the carburetor - none.
12. Checked continuity on the afterfire solenoid- good.
13. Checked for ground on the carburetor solenoid - good.
14. Reconnected battery ground to mower frame.

Here is what i have found out so far. The motor will crank and run smooth with no problems until the B positive wire on the voltage regulator is plugged in. When it is plugged in with motor running, it will arc on the tab then it will arc on the jumper wire in the fuse holder. It will then slowly star too turn orange and smoke. If I unplug the B positive wire on the V regulator the fireworks stop. I have also noticed that the afterfire solenoid on the bottom of the carburetor will heat up just by turning on the switch. You can even hear it click if you wiggle the jumper wire in the fuse holder. You can also manually turn the cylindrical carburetor solenoid with your fingers, with with key 🔑 on, and feel and hear it open and close. I’m not sure if it is supposed to do this.

I do not know what else to do.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.