Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Kohler Engine Running Rough, hydraulic lifter, cam lobes

Question
Hi John,

One of the things that drew me to you when I first found this site was the blessing you asked for the person. Your knowledge I saw in you answer helped to. May God bless you and yours as well.

A quick follow up: (on the question yesterday about the Kohler cv23s running rough)Do you think I have two separate issues going on here: the solenoid as well as possibly a valve guide problem? A note on the solenoid – I have had it out and saw that it functioned when the key was turned on and off. I can’t be sure that the needle traveled as far as it should though. I will troubleshoot it further per your instructions.

Now, on the cylinder head I have some questions. I removed the valve cover and the exhaust valve does not travel nearly as far as the intake or the other exhaust valve as well. The push rod is not bent so I am guessing the hydraulic lifter is compressing instead of the valve going as far as the cam love would push it. Does that make sense? If so could there also or only be a problem with the lifter. The valve pushes in easily enough by hand. I ordered a new head and valves anyway.
Again God bless you and thank you for taking the time to help me with this,
Ed

Answer
Hello Ed:

>>Thanks. I am Also Pleased to Hear You and Yours Believe and I am Sure Blessed by the All Mighty.
>>If the Exhaust Valve on 1 Cylinder is Not Moving in the Same Manner as the Exhaust Valve on the Other Cylinder, then
>>There is a Hydraulic Lifter that is Bad and Requires Replacing.
>>Most Times the Cam is the cause for the Valve Not to Move Correctly as you Described.
>>The Lifter can and Does cause this Problem, but Not as Often as the Cam Lobes.
>>If I remember Correctly you can Decrease Engine Speed and then Quickly Increase Engine Speed and the Engine Runs Correctly.
>>From this Description and from the Details you Described in this E-mail it Sounds like a Bad Lifter.
>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File for Examining the Inside of a Small Engine and will Assist you in having Access to the Governor, Oil Pump (if Applicable), Cam and Crankshaft Gear. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>**This is a Simple Process. Drain the Oil and Remove the Engine to the Work Bench with the Oil Pan Facing Up. I have a Wooden Rest that was Especially Made to Hold the Engine when in this Position.
>>Using Fine Sand Paper, Remove ALL the Rust and Debris from the Crankshaft.
>>Remove ALL the Oil Pan Bolts.
>>After All the Oil Pan Bolts are Removed; Tap Lightly on the Sides of the Oil Pan to Loosen it from the Dowel Pins.
Sometimes you May have to Use a Flat Screw Driver or Chisel Between the Oil Pan/Sump at the Areas Neat to the Dowel Pin and Loosen  the Oil Pan/Sump.
>>When the Oil Pan is Removed, you can See the Governor Resting on Top of the Cam Gear.
>>****If Required: Lift Off and Replace with a New Governor. Check the Engine Block for Debris from the Old Governor and Wipe the Inside of the Block With a Rag, Until Clean. Set the Governor Shaft So it will be Resting on the Governor whine the Oil Pan is Replaced and Carefully Replace the Oil Pan. If the Crankshaft Seal Was Not Leaking, then Leave it Alone. It Should be OK. You can Easily Replace it While Mounted on the Machine if Required Later. Make Sure the Governor Stays in Contact with the Governor Shaft while Replacing the Oil Pan. Re - Mount the Engine to the Machine. Refill With Oil. Your Internal Governor May Differ.**  
>>You can also Remove the Cam Shaft and Inspect the Cam and Lifters/Tappets.
>>If you Remove the Camshaft for Inspecting the Lifters, then
>>The Following is Instructions on Aligning the Cam and Crankshaft.
>>There is a Mark (-) on the Crankshaft Gear Tooth and a Dot(.) between the Teeth on the Cam that have to be Matched for the Valve Timing to be Correct. Usually the Larger Dot is the Timing Mark.
>>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.
>>Have 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