Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): valve adjustment and timing on a Kawasaki501v 17hp motor, twin cylinder engines, pencil rod

Question
my '92 JD LX188over heated  and now it wont startIt is getting gas and spark but wont startwhile trying to get it started it would backfire through the breather.could you please help?

Answer
Hello Dale:

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 (Both Rocker Arms will have Play in them when the Engine is at TDC) When Setting the Valve Clearance. On Some Model Engines you can Use a Pencil or Small Rod Inserted Into the Spark Plug Hole. Slowly Turn the Engine Until the Pencil/Rod Stops Being Pushed Out of the Spark Plug Hole and Both Rocker Arms have Free Play; this should be TDC. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .009in -.011in and the Exhaust to .009in - .011in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John