Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Adjusting the valves on Exmark Lazer HP Kawasaki Engine, twin cylinder engines, 4 stroke engines

Question
I have a Commercial Exmark Lazer HP 42". It has a Kawasaki engine 17HP FH500V. It makes a kind of clanking noise when we turn it on. We have had the valves adjusted before and the noise stopped; recently the rod came out and got bent, and the noise started again. We straightened the valves, but the noise continues. How can we adjust the valves? What needs to be tightened or where does it need to be adjusted?  Thanks in advance for any help you can give us.

Answer
Hello Jamie:

Sorry for the Delay. I Awoke Saturday Morning with the Stomach Flu and am Just Now able to Sit Up without a Problem. You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.buykawpower.com/kmcb2c/main.jsp and Select Parts Catalog on the Lower Left of the Page. Now Select 4 Stroke Engines. Now Select your Engine Model. I Used the FH500V-S001 for Reference. Select the Valve/Camshaft File. 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). 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 (#92009) 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 (#12016) 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*** I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke.** 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. On Some Engines you can Us a Straightened Coat Hanger and Feel the Piston. Be Careful and Dont Jam the Wire in the Cylinder. Usually the Piston will Push the Wire Out of the Spark Plug Hole with No Problems. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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