Ok so new to this forum but not to mowers. Anyway, picked up a nice Cub Cadet rider with a 20 HP Kohler Courage motor. The starter spins it around until it gets to the compression stroke. I know a little about the compression release and how it works...I've watched ALL the videos. Turning it over by hand with the valve cover off I see the exhaust valve being opened a little as the compression stroke begins....the valve is closed again BEFORE the piston reaches TDC. So it looks to me like the compression release is working by opening up the exhaust valve a little as the compression stroke begins. BUT, is the exhaust valve supposed to close again right before the point of maximum compression??? That's where it's stopping when using the starter. I've removed the starter and checked the brushes, cleaned all wire and battery terminals, charged the battery, and even disassembled the solenoid and cleaned those contacts as well. If the CR is opening the exhaust valve, what else should I check before I crack the motor open?