Craftsman DYT 4000 22hp engine hard starting

The engine turns over grudgingly. It acts like it needs a compression release like some motorcycles. It is electric start and battery is not a issue. Even with a full charge and battery charger is on at start mode the engine will not turn over freely. I can rotate the engine by hand (which is hard), then sometimes it will turn over. I bump the starting back and forth and sometimes the engine rotates past the hard start point and starts. Once it does start it runs fine. I took it to a small engine repair shop and they got it running but then the problem comes back (twice this has happened).

 

It would be my guess that the valve adjustment is off, pull valve covers and check valve lash, should be .005" to 007",,,if al is fine there it could very well be a compression release which is on the camshaft.

 

First I would clean all electrical connections leading to the starter; where the wires meet the battery, solenoid and at the starter. Even with a good battery a little bit of corrosion or a loose connection can keep the starter from getting all the power it needs for max torque and speed.

 

Sure sounds like valves in need of adjusting.

 

Thanks for the ideas, the valve adjustment was a thought that I had. If the valves are out of adjustment, I wonder if the mower shop just didn't get the nuts tightened good enough. I will check the valves and even the ground points, etc.