Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Kohler CV16S, engine wont turn over intermittently, commutator brushes, compression stroke

Question
First of all thank you for your time!  I have a Kohler engine on my simplicity broadmoor garden tractor (250 hours of operation).  The Kohler engine is a model CV16S; Spec No. 43510; Family SkH426U1G2RB; S/N 2801202711.  I've been trying to troubleshoot an intermittent problem of the engine not turning over, i.e, turn ignition and engine would begin to crank then stop, retry and starts fine.  Here's what I know: 1.  Battery is less than 6 months old, tested good by local auto parts store - my inexpensive analog multimeter reads 12.2 volts  2. removed solenoid and bench tested seems to work fine. Checked while installed and voltages checked out  3. Pulled starter cleaned commutator/brushes and they looked in good shape.  3. With the starter not installed, and powered directly by the battery, it seemed to work fine and voltage drop was negligent. 4. Installed starter and again powered directly from battery (bypassed solenoid, ignition).  This time engine begins to turn and then stops.  Try it again and engine turns normal.  Try it again nothing.  Then again and it works  5.  Put solenoid back in the loop and try it - nothing.  6. I've measured the voltage when the engine doesn't turn and it drops from 12.2V to 2-3V. It seems as if there is an increased resistance causing the starter motor to stall.  PTO is not engaged, oil level is good, engine only has 250 hours on it.  So I rotated the engine by hand maybe a quarter turn and try it again --starts right up????  I'm starting to think the problem might have something to do with flywheel position and/or starter not engaging properly etc.????  Any thoughts/ideas are greatly appreciated!!

Answer
These bigger engines usually require what is call a compression release to aid in starting. I am wanting to think this one has one. Seems it is  unable to get beyond the compression stroke sometimes. Check around the Kohler site and see if it has this compression release. Sometimes the components will stick and such.  I am just not real familiar with this particular engine......Tom