Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S cold start, briggs stratton, aluminum heads

Question
I recently acquired an older Gilson  YT11HE yard tractor in great shape excert for the Briggs & Stratton industrial 11 hp.engine,model 253707 - type 0132 01.This unit starts hard cold - it cranks over very well and wants to start but it seems just shy of adequate rpm to start on full choke,the trick to start is to pull the throttle back abit and keep engaging the starter until it starts,usually 4 to7 times,very hard on the starter.To date I have replaced a tired battery,drained and refreshed fuel system,new J8 spark plug,checked choke cable function and adjustment o.k.removed 2 carb.needles and spray cleaned carb ports and needles reinstalled and adjusted to 1.5 turns out from stop - also have tried coming in and out with high speed needle adjustment.The kicker is after the first hard start is conquered this baby starts and with no problem all day long! Happy Holidays

Answer
Paul

What may be happening is that when cold the engine head is contacted.Causing the pistons to be tight making it hard to turn over,then when it finally starts to run the head get's hot and expands to let it run with less force. Try to do a Compression test on the engine when it is cold then again when it is hot,some Briggs engines have aluminum heads and they are prone to dissipate heat faster when hot,and when cold contract. You may need to check the pistons and the rings.