Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 16HP B/S engine starter dragging, battery cables, engine starter

Question
16 HP B/S engine will not start at times. Have to keep bumping the starters untill the engine starts to rotate before it will start. notice that the ground on the neg. batt post seems to be getting hot. Could the engine be out of time or is the starter bad. Engine runs fine after it starts New starter and battery.  

Answer
From what you have described, it sounds like there is a problem with the starter drawing an unusual amount of current (creating heat in battery cables).  If the engine rotates freely, without too much drag (from accessory belts to tight or oil level too high), the problem is the starter.  Hope this helps.