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Engine will crank over once maybe twice and no more. Seems to lock up. It has new starter and battery.

Variety of causes, so you are going to have to do some checking. Are all connection good and clean? Is the oil over filled? What is the battery voltage while cranking? What are the model numbers of the engine? Let us know and we will try to help.

Is the battery up to it, and are all connection's good and clean. as said above..!

Could be a valve clearance problem or decompressor on camshaft is not working.
Check the electrics 1st then maybe start checking valves.

Model is 31P777 0296 E1. Battery tested good. Starter good. Cleaned all connections. Oil good. Flywheel good. Haven't tested crank voltage, meter not working. next step.

Valve clearance is .005 inches for both the intake and exhaust. They should be set when the piston is 1/4" past TDC on the compression stroke. Set them, turn the engine over four complete cycles by hand, then recheck. It is not uncommon to have to do this once or twice to get it right.

Have you check the valves.

Will have to check valves. Will let you all know.

Pulled spark plug still seems to lock up. Went ahead and set valves still not turning over smoothly.

Take the lid off, remove plug, can you turn engine over by hand alright.

If you pulled the plug and the engine still seems to lock up I would assume that you have a starter or some other type of electrical problem. When you say lock up, can you still turn it by hand or do you have to back it up? I've reread your thread and unless there is some major internal problem, or you've missed something that you are not telling us. Does your battery have at leasted 350 CCA? If not the battery may not be big enough.