Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Murray Riding Lawn Mower, twin cylinder engines, valve clearances

Question
I have a 2000 Murray 17.5 HP riding lawnmower.  I had a dead battery so bought
a new one.  Within a week, it was dead.  I took it to Sears to check the charge.  
They said it was defective, and couldn't take a charge.  So I took it back and
traded it for another Husky at Tractor Supply.  The new one did it again.  Is there
something which may be shorting it out?

Answer
Hello Jason:

Check the Ignition Switch. Does the Battery Go Dead Just Sitting or is this Mower Started and Used Everyday? If the Mower is Started Every Day, then the Stator or Voltage Regulator (if this Model Engine has a Regulator) Is Bad. Start the Engine and Run at Full Throttle. If the Voltage at the Battery is Less than 12.8 VDC, then the Stator or Voltage Regulator is Not Charging the Battery and the Multiple Starting of the Engine is Drawing the Battery Down. If the Ignition, Stator and Regulator are Good, then Check the Valve Clearances. If the Compression Release is Not Working the Engine Will Act as If the Battery is Weak. Also, Check the Valve Clearance. They are having a Lot of Problems with the Valve Clearances on the OHV Engines. The OEMs Say to Set Both Valve Clearances at.004in. 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 (Both Rocker Arms will have Play in them when the Engine is at TDC) When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .003in -.005in and the Exhaust to .008in - .010in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

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Respectfully

John