Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere SX95 rear engine riding mower, twin cylinder engines, cast iron cylinder

Question
I bought a used John Deere SX95 rear engine riding mower, it will not start, I took the starter in and they said it was working. I put in a brand new battery too. I'd appreciate any ideas you might have. Product ID # *M05X95X596204*  SX95 Ride Mower 12.5 HP, Electric start, full pressure lube, cast iron cylinder.
Thanks, Will

Answer
Hello Willy:

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 (SX95) 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. From your Description and After Viewing the Breakdown of this Unit it Seem that the Valve Clearances Require Setting. When the Exhaust Valve Clearance Becomes too Wide, the Compression Release Stops Functioning as Designed and you have the Problem you Described. 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 Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .003in -.005in and the Exhaust to .006in - .008in. 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.** 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. 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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. Ratings and Comments are Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John