Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD L110 Loud Exhaust and glowing exhaust pipe, hydraulic lifters, sectional index

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

My 3 year old L110 was running fine, when all of a sudden the exhaust became very loud, almost backfire-like loud, and when I lifted up the hood, the exhaust pipe in the front of the 17.5 hp Kohler engine was glowing red! The next day I started it up cold, and it sounded the same, the exhaust pipe glowed withing 30 seconds.  I performed a compression test, and the gauge read 80, and held it's pressure for 5 hours.
Any Ideas?

Thanks!

ANSWER: Hello Bob:

Has the Muffler Come Apart? If No, then The Cause of the Problem is the Valve Clearance. Re-Set the Valve Clearance. The Intake is Set at .003in - .005in. and the Exhaust is Set at .008in - .010in. The Compression Release Works Using the Exhaust Valve. When the Valve Adjustment Moves, the Compression Release Does Not Operate Properly and you have the Problem you Described. If you Require Detailed Instruction for Setting the Valve Clearance, Let me Know, Please. I Just had the Same Problem with My Personal Mower. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower and Engine at this Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H and Enter the Model Numbers . Then Select your Model from the Results Area. Then Select Sectional Index. Now Select Your Mower. Now Select the File you Need to View. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let Me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks


Good Luck

Respectfully  

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well...I gave up and took it to a mechanic (valve cover off), and they said it can't be the valve clearance, they arn't adjustable!  It has hydraulic lifters.  So, after they put it back together, and troubleshot it, they discovered it was a sheer key in the flywheel.  They said they've never seen that it a Kohler, because the pin is steel.  They have seen them sheer in Briggs engines, because they are aluminum.

Answer
Hello Again Bob:

They are Correct. I would Never have Thought of or Suggested the Flywheel Key. On Kohler the Key is Steel and Briggs has Aluminum. What did you Hit; If I May Ask. I will have to Start Including the Key in My Suggeations as A Possible Cause. I Learn Something New Every Day. Over 30 Years and I have Never Seen a Kohler Engine Shear a Flywheel Key. Thanks for the Update. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.

Best Wishes and Good Luck

Respectfully

John