Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Starting Briggs Engine on Sabre Riding Mower, battery cables, soleniod

Question
I can only start my Briggs when I put the battery charger on the battery. Bought a new battery today with greater cranking amps. Still did not want to start without charger. The engine will restart once it has run.

Does the sylanoid have anything to do with ability to start?

I notice white smoke from negative battery wire when attempting to crank with and without the battery charger.

Do starters go bad suddenly or do they die gradually?

Thank you for pointers you can send my way.

Answer
 Hello John:

 Starters do go bad suddenly. A cold Engine is Harder to Start because when Cold the Engine doesnt have the Lubrication throughout the Engine. Also The Battery Cables could be Corroded Inside the Rubber Shielding. If you need to Repalce them; I suggest using Battery Cables the Same Size as Automotive Battery Cables. The Larger the Diameter Cable the Better the AMP flow is to the Starter and the Longer the Starter will Last. The Soleniod will just Click if it is bad. The Smoke from the Ground Cable at the Battery Tells me the Starter is Drawing  to Much Amperage. It is the most likely Cause of the Problem.  Hope this Helps.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John