Hesitation in Starting Engine

[imgetnab2]

Greetings All:
The last few times I've started by Bird (an '83 FC), it's hesitated
before starting. The first time it happened, we had been traveling
for quite a few hours, and had stopped for dinner and to let the
engine cool down. When I went to start it after dinner, it acted
like the batteries were dead, and took 3-4 turns of the key to get
the engine to start (the engine had not overheated, and ran at about
185 degrees all day long). I started the generator, which seemed to
give it enough 'boost' to turn the engine and it took right off. By
the way, I did check to make sure the transmission was in neutral
(done that before!)

Once we got home, I let it sit over night, then took my volt meter
and measured the batteries (without being plugged in). The
batteries registered 12.61. At the posts back by the step, I
registered 12.55, and at the starter I got 12.55. But when I
started the engine, it hesitated again. On the second turn of the
key, the engine caught and it started.

If it were a gas engine, I would think that the timing is off a
little. The engine runs beautifully, and has always fired right
away when I've turned it over.

If any of you have had similar situations, or might know what I
should check, I'd really appreciate your insight. Thanks!

Ken Johnson
Midland, MI
'83 FC 33