Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): changing head & adjusting valves, twin cylinder engines, compression stroke

Question
I have a 20 hp Kohler engine.
Model #sv600s type
APP e11*97/68SA*2002/88*0285*01
Spec #SV600-0024
Serial # 3816306183
How do you change the head , adjust the valves (what are the specs), do I need a torque wrench and a valve adjustment tool, and what are the torque specs on the head bolts?

Answer
Hello Bryant:

You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.kohlerplus.com/login.asp and Select Enter as Guest. Now Select the Thumbnail of the Catalog you Wish to View (Magnum). Then Select the MV16 Engine. Then Select your Model. You and I can Use this Site and Breakdown for a Reference if it is Required. The Valve Clearances for this Unit are .003in for Both Valves as Suggested by Kohler. The Head is Torqued First to 180 inch Pounds (15 foot pounds) and then 360 inch pounds (30 foot pounds). 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 Locks and Using a Blade Style Feeler Gauge, Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .003in -.005in and the Exhaust to .003in - .005in. 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 Compresion/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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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