Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Kohler engine wont turn over, spark plug wires, volt light

Question
I just inherited a yardman 15hp lawn tractor with a Kohler cv15s engine. The tractor had stood in a barn for 3 years untouched until now.  
I have replaced the solenoid and battery as well as the brushes in the starter.  Now that I have power the engine only turns over a flywheel or two and then stops without firing.  I dont care at this stage that it does not fire but am concerned that it stops (maybe compression).  I have to turn the flywheel back to try and start it again. Could it need more power from the battery to get past the compression?  

Answer
Hi Steve,

It would be unusual for the compression to be TOO high.  I would look at the electric starting system first.  Although you have replaced some critical parts, check out my "No crank" proceedure below.  Most of it pertains to no cranking at all, so you can bypass those tests. If all checks out, then disconnect the spark plug wires to rule out an advanced ignition timing condition.

Let me know what you find.
Michael

I would check the starter first.  Jump the positive battery terminal to the starter and it should crank over.  If not, the starter is bad.  If good, then you will need to trace the entire circuit from the starter to the battery.  The solenoid, switches the battery power to the starter, when power from the key switch is sent to the small terminal on the solenoid. To test the solenoid, first make sure that you have power at its large terminal which comes from the battery. Then jump power from that terminal or the battery positive post, to its small terminal. You should hear a click and the other large terminal that feeds the starter should be energized. If not, then the solenoid is bad. If good, then continue tracing the power through the key switch to the battery until you find the break in the power path.   All testing can be done with a 12 volt light or a voltmeter.  Most equipment has safety switches in  the seat and on the blade engagement lever. Check them by temporarily bypassing with a small jumper wire.