Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Start problem w/ 18.5hp INTEK, mechanic work, battery cables

Question
QUESTION: I have a Craftsman DLT3000 rider w/ an 18.5hp INTEK Plus. When I try to start it, the engine will turn maybe a quarter turn and stop. If I hit start repeatedly, it may finally turn and start.  If I turn the engine counterclockwise by hand, then hit start, it may turn and start.  I had a Sears recommended mechanic work on it - he adjusted the valves - but it still does the same thing.  I have a new battery. Two (or 3) years ago I hit a stump which bent the blade and shaft, and killed the engine.  At the time, the engine continued to start & run fine. I replaced the shaft on the deck & the blades. Over the past year, the problem has gotten progressively worse.  Once it starts, it runs fine. Can You help?

ANSWER: Have you disconnected the battery cables and cleaned the battery terminals and cable ends with a wirebursh?  I have fixed a lot of starting problems just by cleaning the connections.

It could be a partially sheared flywheel key but this does not happen a lot.  

Have you had the battery load tester to verify it is good?  It's also possible the starter may be getting weak, but again I do not see this very often.

I'd start by cleaning the connections, charging the battery and have it load tested before doing anything else.

Let me know if the battery is good and if cleaning the cables helps out.
Eric

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

QUESTION: I had the battery tested and it tested good.  I removed all battery cables and cleaned the ends and fully charged the battery. Still have the same problem. When I removed the cable from the starter to clean the end, the post on the starter was loose when I took off the inside nut.  Is that normal?

Answer
I have had the nut you are talking about be loose.  When you tighten it, make sure the screw does NOT turn.  The nut is suppose to lock the starter post stud in place so you can connect the battery cable and the nut to hold the battery calbe on.  So, when the starter is connect, there should be a total of 2 nuts with the battery cable sandwiched in between the nuts.

If you remove the spark plugs will the starter turn the engine?

Eric