well i discovered the reason the vanguard was hard to start cold was the choke cable had slipped in the clamp and was'nt even getting pulled on . easy fix . but the last few times if tried to start it cold , the starter won't turn over at first . this morning i tried it ...nothing . i choked it , pulled started twice and fired right up . ran it maybe 1/2 minute . turned it off and the tried the key start and it fired right up strong . it's a new starter solenoid and new lawn mower type battery . battery is rated 235 cca at 0 degrees and 280 at 35 deg . even after sitting a hour or so the starter fires it right up . is that $ 22 battery not that great after sitting all night in 20 deg garage ? thanks for input , johnboy