Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): cv23s running rough (cam problem +?), synthetic engine oil, internal engine components

Question
Hi John,

Another question on the CV23S Spec: 75559 S.N.: 3225503391. This is the one that you thought might have a bad lifter or cam since the #1 ex. Valve was not opening as much as it should. You were right on the cam. That lobe doesn’t have hardly anything left on it, so I will be replacing the cam and all lifters. My question today is that the unit for a long time now would run rough, hot or cold, when initially powered up. This could be cleared by cycling the throttle. Do you think this may be a separate problem that will still be there once the cam and lifters are replaced? Originally, before I told you the valve wasn’t traveling as far as the others you were thinking possibly a valve seat may be bad. Do you think this is still a possibility and if so is there a way to check it without removing the head? If not what do I look for once the head is off.

Thanks again,
Ed

Answer
Hello Ed:

>>I Suggest you Go Ahead and Replace the Cam and Lifters.
>>By Powering Down and then Quickly Powering Up, you were in a Sense Forcing the Lifter to Pump Up and that is what caused the Engine to Run Correctly.
>>You were Changing the Usual Position of the Hydraulic Piston Position in the Lifter Cylinder to a Higher Position and this Allowed the Worn Cam Lobe along with the Hydraulic Lifter to Operate the Valve enough for the Engine to Run Smoothly.
>>This is a Rare Problem and is Usually Due to Incorrect Oil Level or Viscosity.
>>I Use the Synthetic Engine Oil in All my Equipment and have had Less Engine Problems than ever.
>>The Synthetic Oils Tends to Slow Down the Metal to Metal Wear of the Internal Engine Components.
>>Please Remember that I Start with the Most Common cause for a Problem when Asked and If that Does Not Correct the Problem then I Suggest the Next Possible cause to the Questioner when the Respond back the me.
>>Trying to List All the Possible causes and Corrective Steps at 1 Time Usually Scares People and that is Something I Prefer Not to do, so I List the Most Common Possible Cause/s to give them a Starting Point for the Diagnostics.
>>As Always, 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.
>>I Hope You and Yours had a Happy Holiday Weekend and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 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. Comments and Ratings are
Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John