[Tom Scott]

I agree that ether should be used in small doses, for troubleshooting or emergency use only. It takes very little to make an engine fire, just a half second squirt.

Based on everything I have seen in his history with this problem, my bet is also on the too slow of cranking speed. I outlined the spark check just to be sure if needed.

I also agree on the battery cables, Cub skimped here and larger is better. Dielectric grease on every electrical connection will keep them good. I put it on every wire before a crimp and in every terminal before connecting, including battery terminals.

The battery quality is a real issue too. Unless someone has read up on it they may not realize that the same physical size battery can vary so much in power.