Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Overheating battery cables, power stroke position, twin cylinder engines

Question
I have a yardman ride on mower its not turning over properly and the battery leads are overheating and a small amount of smoke was coming of the earth lead, battery fully charged but hesitates on first turn over could there be a problem with solonoid or just the battery leads?
thanks Phil

Answer
Hello Phil:

>>If this Mower has an OHV Engine, then Set the Valve Clearances.
>>From your Description it Sounds like the Compression Release is Not Operating as Designed and causing the Problem you Described.
>>The Following is a Basic File I made for Setting the Valve Clearances. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>**I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best.
>>Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines).
>>Check the Push Tubes and make Sure they are Not Bent.
>>Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center on the Compression Stroke When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Lock and  Using a Blade Style Feeler Gauge, Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .006in - .008in. Loosen and Tighten the Rocker Arm and the Feeler Gauge is Placed Between the Rocker Arm and the Valve Top where the Rocker Arm Pushes on the Valve.
>>***BE SURE TO TIGHTEN THE ADJUSTER LOCK AFTER YOU HAVE THE PROPER VALVE CLEARANCE***
>>If you Remove the Valve Cover and then Turn the Engine by Hand, you can Watch the Intake Valve Movement. When the Intake Valve Closes, the Piston will Just Starting the Compression/Power Stroke.
>>Position the Piston so it is Completely at the Top of the Cylinder and then Set the Valve Clearances.
>>Be Careful and Don't Jam the Wire in the Cylinder. Usually the Piston will Push the Wire Out of the Spark Plug Hole with No Problems.
>>You can Locate the Valve Clearance Specs at this Site Addy; http://outdoorpowerinfo.com/engine_specs/  and Select Valve Clearances Under you Engines OEM (). Then Set the Valve Clearances to the Specifications Listed on the Chart for your Engine.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. All Follow up Questions are Accepted at Any Time. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John