kohler courage SV541 cranking question

i have a cub cadet with the 18 hp Kohler Courage SV541 single cylinder powerplant that is giving random cranking problems. on some occasions-but not all- it will stop on the compression stroke. i can pull the plug and get it to spin again, then replace the plug and most times it will go ahead and crank. i suspect that the culprit may be the compression release, but unsure because of the fact it only does this sporadically.
any input would be greatly appreciated.