JD LA140 Starter won't crank the engine

[sundogbrew]

OK so I bought a LA140 from the Depot about 5 years ago or so. This problem has been driving me crazy for about 4 of them. Regardless if I try to start off the battery or jump it, the starter doesn't have the power to crank the engine through the compression. I have to advance the engine past the compression by hand by turning the plastic flywheel cover. Once past that it will turnover. Even if it has been running for an hour and I shut it off for a minute. Now that it is a bit older and doesn't start as easily this is becoming a much bigger PITA since I will probably have to do it a few times before it will actually start. It is like the starter isn't enough for the engine? Once it starts to turn it spins fast and sounds fine. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Joe

 

[ozley]

You need to adjust the valves. The compression release isn't working.