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Poulan Pro pp19a42 model with 19hp intek engine.

Battery and starter are good.
Engine will turn 1/8 turn approx and starter can't get it past that. So I turn by hand a bit, and starter will start the tractor up just fine.

I have set the valves - top valve exhaust at .004-.005, bottom valve intake at .006.
In my searching some say to turn the engine by hand until piston is at TDC and both rockers are loose. Some say to turn it just past TDC until your screwdriver, or whatever you're using inside the cylinder, goes back in 1/4". I've tried both. Only thing that seems to be consistent is EX valve .004-.006, and IN at .005-.007.

Is there something else that could be causing this issue? Seems a common issue due to valve lash, or decompression cam?

With the valve gaps set correctly, and the spark plug removed for easier engine turning, turn the engine by hand while watching the intake valve. Just before TDC compression stroke you should see the intake valve get bumped open slightly. That is the compression release. If no bump then time to open it up to replace the cam and locate the 4 broken pieces of the compression release. I say 4 pieces because that is what seems to be common, but could be more or less.

Simple test before throwing time and money at this engine. Before opening the engine hook a VOLT meer across the battery and watch the voltage when trying to start the engine. If the battery voltage drops below 10 VDC when the engine stops turning, your battery needs to be replaced.

Already checked for voltage drop. Brand new battery.

Intake .003 - .005
Exhaust .005 - .007

Always set closer to the tighter clearance on OHV engines.

Sounds like another compression relief failure issue to me. Intek engines have a well-known history of this problem.

B&S had these cams on backorder for a very long time. Hopefully they have caught up production.

Do not order and aftermarket cam unless you like the practice of taking your engine apart for repeat issues.