[NoBs.]

Excuse if this is a second post but I don't see the first one... 3184 CCadet, bought several years ago, occasionally had a click instead of engaging the starter. I replaced the battery, starter, checked wires, grounds, safety switches with negative results. Acts like a dead battery/bad solenoid but then on the next turn of the key it will start. Over the years it has gotten worse. The normal start procedure is get a pipe wrench and turn the shaft until it releases compression but even this takes several tries for it to work. I know nothing about compression releases but I don't hear anything clattering in the engine. I haven't adjusted the valves because of the relative low hours on the machine. Thoughts, ideas ?

Great machine when its running but I'm older and crankier and just want it to start. Retired, small pension can't afford to take it to a dealer for a fishing expedition. Thanks