Timecutter 16:42z trouble starting and now stopped starting

jackdoldno7

I have had this mower and for a while when you would turn the key to start it, the engine would crank really slow and then build up to starting. Sometimes it would take a couple tries to get it to turn over. After it was warm, you could turn it off and back on without a problem. After it sits for a period of time is when it would be difficult to start again. It was doing that same thing just recently and when I tried it the third time, it stopped trying to turn. I had the starter checked out and the guy said it was fine. I heard solenoids either work or they don't so if it was gradually getting worse, that's probably not it. I can turn it with my hand, so its not seized up. Any ideas what this could be?

I just found oil and gas in the crankcase... does this help?