All a compression release is is a small "bump" on the exhaust lobe of the camshaft that raises the valve just a tish to let off some of the pressure. That said, unless the valve clearance is way off, there isn't really a way for it to "bind". My first check would be to make sure all my electrical connections were clean and the battery fully charged and in good shape. After that, I would suspect a weak starter. Only after ruling out those, would I go into the engine. I doubt it is in your engine since you say it runs fine.

I'm certain all my electrical is good. Battery is new and fully charged,wires in harness are new, key switch is new, starter has been checked and cleaned. Also checked everything with a VOM - there are no short/open circuits or loss of voltage to starter. The starter just has a 2 second or so hesitation when it hits that compression release - then it cranks fine. When you take the flywheel cover off and spin the flywheel by hand you can feel the slight bind. It takes a little effort to spin the flywheel past it - this is what the starter motor has trouble with. Is this normal? If not, then yes my starter is probably weak.

Yes, it is going to have a certain amount of resistance. Does the mower have a pull start also? May be worth it to try starting it that way...

At least on the larger Briggs OHV engines, correct valve lash is critical to the operation of the compression release.
Too much lash and the "bump" on the cam is too far away from the lifter to bump anything.

.005" +/- .001" both valves.
Piston 1/4" past TDC

It does start withe the pull cord - you can feel that resistance in the flywheel there too. In regards to the valves , this is an L head engine . My understanding is the Intake valve does the compression release. Since it feels like the compression doesn't release easily enough, could the valve not be opening enough?

Update - Just compared my mower to a Toro 20332. The resistance is very similiar. I must have a weak starter or battery.

How old is this mower?

Its 12 years old and has had roughly 10 hours of use in the last 3 years. Prior to that I estimate use at approx 150 or less hours. It is in excellent condition and runs very well. The one and only problem is the electric starter binding a bit before it cranks.

Just a guess, could the starter be loose?

Starter is mounted tight to the block. No movement when attempting to start.

I'm bad!
Instead of looking up the IPL for the engine, I just assumed it was an OHV engine when the term "compression release" was used.

I appreciate your input. Thanks.

It could have a carbon build-up in the combustion chamber that adds a little to compression. Start using Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer/fuel system cleaner and 2 or 3 ounces of Marvel Mystery oil to 2 gal of fuel, and use mid-grade gas. Put the additives in the empty fuel can when you go to get your mower gas. It will start to 'get well' right away, but these are slow-acting treatments that have to be used in the long term. I imagine over the last three years of very little use it just sat there with fuel in it. Very bad.
BTW, 'compression release' can't release but a small percentage of the compression or it wouldn't be able to start.

Thanks for that info. My combustion chamber was cleaned and gasket replaced about 8 service hours ago. I took the head off again yesterday and the combustion chamber had a real good surface of black gum. I was surprised to see it that dirty so soon. I do use Sta-Bil all the time and when not in use I drain the gas out - bowl too. I'll add the MMO to the formula next time I get gas.

Hmmm. That's odd. You could use Seafoam instead which is a little more agressive than MMO.

A buddy of mine has a Walker ZTR that had starting
problems. When we took the starter motor out, and
put it in a vise, it had a hard time spinning, even
with no load. Took the starter apart and found that
the armature shaft was bent. I can't see how that
could have happened, unless the gears didn't properly
mesh once, or some sort of a kick-back situation.
That was about 5 years ago, and the new starter
is still working fine. One of those unexplainable
situations,I guess.

I've taken my starter out numerous times in the past month checking things.Except for minor cleaning everything looks good . Nothing i do changes how this thing starts. I'm thinking battery now - even though its only 2 years old. I saw the voltage today drop down to below 8.5 volts while cranking after being fully recharged. This has got me stumped.
Thank you to everyone that has replied.

If you have gotten 2 years out of one of those batteries, you are lucky....I have never gotten much life out of lawn mower batteries.

8.5 is weak under load. 10.5 is great, 9.5 will usually crank. You could simply try a 12v and jump the connector properly. That being said, these starters get dry and tired apparently like them all. Try a battery store for the battery as opposed to the manufacturer. By me, Batteries Plus has good batteries w/ good pricing. Or drop the battery # into the google. Your meter on the charger is a good idea as well. Make sure that is working whilst you are at it.

Update - I took the battery to a Batteries Plus store and had it load tested. It tested real strong - 2.9 amp rating putting out 4.0 amps. Next replaced the starter motor with a new one. The cranking problem is solved - it cranks fast and there is no binding or hesitation. Hope this helps anyone with a similiar problem. Thanks to everyone that responded.

Thanks for letting us know the outcome!