Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Cold tractor start, plug hole, cold weather

Question
QUESTION: I'm having trouble getting my cub cadet 100 with a kohler k241 engine to start in the cold weather. I am using 30w oil. But the engine has some real deficulty turning over. The battery seems good as far as I can tell. I know it is pretty much fully charged between 11 and 12 volts. Could it be the starting apps? I usually take the battery out in cold wheather and bring it in so the battery isnt cold. I wonder if the oil is freezing? You thoughts and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks Greg.

ANSWER: How cold is it when you are trying to start the mower?  The cold will definitely have an impact on the oil and battery power.

Do you have a small battery charger, a few amps, to charge the battery?

Let me know.

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Right now the temp outside is between 15-35 degrees. But mostly, Im tring to start it when its below freezing, probably low 20s. I changed the oil today because I recently had to replace the carb gasket and I was concerned I may have gas in the oil. The tractor ran after I replaced the carb gasket though. I took the battery out and it sat there but now it wont start. I dont have a charger though. I do have a meter which is what tells me its charged. Someone mentioned starting amps might be low. I dont really about batteries though. If you think it is the battery I can go get it charged or buy a charger I had been thinking about getting one for awhile. I have another battery from another that I tried and it wont start the tractor either. The tractor just has a sluggish sound or feel to it. When I try it once or twice the engine wont do anything at all. I was thinking about putting alittle gas under the sparkplug to maybe give it a kick.

Answer
You can try a little gas in the spark plug hole.   Years ago this was about the only way we got engines started when it was really cold.

I would recommend a battery charger, at least a Battery Tender or something similar.  You would be surprised how the cold can impact those little batteries.  I got caught below freezing temps a couple of years ago with my motorcycle.  I went to start it in the more and the battery turned the engine over once or twice and then nothing.

Ended up push starting the motorcycle and it took almost 20 miles before the voltmeter showed the battery started charging.

Can you take the battery inside to warm it up?  Make sure you clean the battery terminals and battery cable ends with a wirebrush before re-connecting the battery.  You would also be surprised how much better freshly cleaned connections will help the engine start.

Eric