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I recently replaced the head gasket in my John Deere LA 120 riding mower and now that everything is back together it won't start. The starter can't get past the compression stroke but the funny thing is when I rotate the engine by hand it does have the "bump" when watching the rocker valves. So it appears the decompression release on the camshaft isn't broken due to the bump however it has all the symptoms of the camshaft decompression release being broken.

Any suggestions I was hoping I wouldn't have to take the motor out.

Post model xxxxxx, type xxxx, trim xx, code xxxxxxxx from your engine, valves need to adjusted so compression release will function properly.

Take out the plugs and crank the engine a bit, in case there is any oil/gas is in the combustion area.

Sounds like the valves are out of adjustment not letting the ACR do its job, hence
the hard spot. I agree w/ Mark.

Double check the valve lash
You have probably set them at TDC on the exhaust stroke a mistake we have all done at least once .