Problem with Motor

The motor on my '66 SS-12 will not turn over if it's on the compression stroke. I can turn it over by hand to get it off the compression stroke, hit the key and it spins over and starts.
Any ideas??

Thanks,
Buzzard

I have the same problem and have had since Sears stopped selling the proper battery for these tractors. The new, smaller, batteries now in use do not seem to have the oomph to spin the engines against compression. I have to roll my engine backwards against compression and let the starter have a 1 1/2 revolution to build up speed in order to roll the engine past compression and start. Mine will not spin the engine at any throttle setting except idle or near to it also.

When the engine and battery are hot, everything is much closer to normal.

i have had the same problem as i cant get any american batteries in the uk i have just fitted a new battery made by varta it fits perfectly in the battery crate it is the same power as the sears original it starts engine first time but it cost me £83.00 rgds carlo uk