Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Mower wont start, plug is soaked, small block chevy, cadet walk

Question
Hey Eric,
   The valves were off, I think.  I'm guessing that tdc occurs when both valves are not moving.  On the opposite stroke, both valves were moving at the same time, slightly of course.  Still didn't start, not even a pop.  Should the plug be wet after pulling cord 3 times?
Thanks
Tim
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hi again Eric,
The serial # is FJ180VA37219.  I don't have a leak down tester.  If it is similar to a car engine, should it have been smoking if it had a ring problem?  I do have a feeler gauge but I have no idea how to set the valve lash on a rotary engine.  Yes it is an ohv.  Thanks again,
Tim
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Followup To

Question -
I don't have a compression gauge.  I'll see if I can find a friend that has one.  My neighbor did check the spark with an inline checker, it was fine.  I don't know what the valve gaps are, or  what they should be for that matter.  How do I check them? ( I can rebuild a small block chevy with my eyes closed, but know nothing of small engines).
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Followup To

Question -
Spark plug is brand new.  So is gas.  How would it get out of time?  I didn't hit anything with it.
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Followup To

Question -
Hello and thanks in advance.  I bought a used cub cadet walk behind mower with a Kawasaki engine.  I used it 2x.  It ran fine both times.  Third time it wouldn't start.  I had the carb disassembled and cleaned, ignition is fine as well.  If I pull the cord 2x, the plug is soaked.  It also will blow smoke out of the intake and exhaust.  Valves appear to operate correctly (open and close).  What should I check next?  I can't even get it to pop with starting fluid.

Answer -
If you have spark and it will not start with starting fluid then it may be out of time or a compression/valve gap problem.

Kawasaki's rarely shear flywheel keys so I doubt it is out of time.

Did you try replacing the spark plug?
Is the fuel less than 30 days old?
Let me know.
Eric

Answer -
Rarely these engine shear flywheel keys which will mess up the timing.

Have you checked for spark using an inline spark tester?
What are the valve gaps?

If you have spark and good fuel the only other thing you need is compression.
Do you have a compression gauge?  If so, what is the compression?

Let me know.
Eric

Answer -
What is the engine model number...I can look up the valve gap clearance.

Most newer Kawasaki's are over head valve...is this what you have?

Do you have a leak down tester to check to see if the head gasket may be leaking?

Let me know the engine model number.
Eric
-----Answer-----
If you have a engine model FC150V then the valve clearance is .005 inch.   Just like a car, set vavle clearance at TDC on the compresssion stroke.

Measure the vavle clearnce before you adjust and let me know if they are way out of specs.

Eric

Answer
Did you ever get that Kawasaki engine to run.
Eric