Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Scott Mower Wont Start, twin cylinder engines, compression stroke

Question
I have a Scott S1742 riding mower that won't start.  I was mowing and the starter began dragging.  The next day the engine would not turn over enough to catch.  I had the battery tested and recharged.  It started but became increasingly harder to start each time.  The next day, the battery was dead again. So,I put in a new battery.  It would barely turn the starter. I took in back and the battery tested good but discharged.  I got a second battery that was tested good at the store, brought it home and installed it.  Same problem except worse; the solenoid wouldn't even click. When checked, battery was discharged.  I went to another store, got a different brand battery. Same story, not even a "click". This is a new one on me.  Is it possible for a short or something else to immediately discharge a battery once the ignition key is turned?  Do I have poltergeists or is there a more earthly solution to this problem?

Thanks for any insight you can offer.

Answer
Hello Howard:

I have Seen this Problem Several Times and it can be Caused by 1 of the Following; 1- The Valve Clearances Require Setting. The Following is a Basic File I made for Setting the Valve Clearances. Any Input is Appreciated. **I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center on the Compression Stroke When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Lock and  Using a Blade Style Feeler Gauge, Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .006in - .008in. Loosen and Tighten the Rocker Arm and the Feeler Gauge is Placed Between the Rocker Arm and the Valve Top where the Rocker Arm Pushes on the Valve. ***BE SURE TO TIGHTEN THE ADJUSTER LOCK AFTER YOU HAVE THE PROPER VALVE CLEARANCE*** I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke.** If you Remove the Valve Cover and then Turn the Engine by Hand, you can Watch the Intake Valve Movement. When the Intake Valve Closes, the Piston will Just Starting the Compression/Power Stroke. On Some Engines you can Us a Straightened Coat Hanger and Feel the Piston. Be Careful and Dont Jam the Wire in the Cylinder. Usually the Piston will Push the Wire Out of the Spark Plug Hole with No Problems. 2- The Starter is Bad. Have the Starter Load Tested and Replace if Bad. 3- The Starter Solenoid is Bad. Replace the Starter Solenoid. 4- The Ign Switch is Bad. Replace the Ign Switch. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers (Scott) and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John