Been having this problem off and on for the past couple years but today I went out and did some actual troubleshooting. When I turn the key with the choke on and brake depressed the engine will turn maybe once or even just half a turn the make a choking sound. I checked all the gas lines and the fuel filter and there's no clog. Then I noticed the solenoid was getting hot. The terminal on the battery is cool to the touch but the solenoid itself and the line from the solenoid to the starter are quite hot along with the starter being a little warm (but I imagine that's from me trying to start it over and over again. So what do you think... do I have a bad solenoid or could it be the starter. My battery is brand spanking new so that shouldn't be the problem.

Andrew

Check your ground cable on the engine , to the frame and on the battery ,a bad ground will cause the positive cable to get hot
Luck

Hi,
I agree with above and add that a weak starter will also load the wiring. The other thing is the valves. Check out:
Lawn Mower Repair Valve Adjustment - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjzX-PUjKmo)
Peace,
Clarke