Two issues... starting and steering.

I have two current problems with my Craftsman Lawn Tractor. It is model number 917.273372. First, I have trouble starting it. This issue has been an off and on issue for the last two cutting seasons. I've brought it to local repair shops, but the problems persists. You can crank the key and the starter can barely turn over the engine. I've changed the starter (2x) with no luck. New battery (2x) and still no luck. I was told the problem could be a pressure relief switch (?) that releases the pressure in the pistons when cranking it over. This allows the engine to crank over easy. Now, my terminology might be all wrong, but basically, the lawn mower seems to labor terribly when being cranked. Ironically, it will then start on the next try or the next day or in an hour or not for three days. There is just no rhyme nor reason when it will or won't start. Try it many times over the course of several hours.. nothing. Try it later and it starts like brand new. It appears it is worse when it is cold out (60 or below). I've even let it sit in the sun with the hood open to let the engine warm that way and it seems to help some, or it is just a coincidence. Who knows? Nobody around here seems to.

Secondly, on the last cut of the season, my front steering went horribly wrong. The left tire points way to the left and the right tire way to the right. I just took it out of storage for the year and have not had a chance to get under it and look. I thought since I was posting the first question, I would post this too. Any idea what the problem is? I can then shop for the parts and repair it myself.