Motorcycle Repair: re-setting valves on a Kawasaki ATV 300 Lakota, piston crowns, kawasaki lakota

Question
Mark,
My son just bought a Kawasaki Lakota 300 (1997).
We don't have the books for it, and we were told by the lod owner/seller, that the valves had just been done and need to be re-set. My question is 1st, where are the valves located, 2nd, what will I need to purchase to re-set them ie... gaskets, spark plug. 3rd, If my son wants to ride it, for a little while will this hurt the motor? The seller told me the head was shaved .3000 so not to have th rebuild the whole thing. What does the valve need to be set at?
Any help would be great.
Thanks
Tom  

Answer
Hi Tom,

Not sure what he means by resetting the valves. Could mean reseating or could mean adjusting the clearances. I suspect the haed became warped from excessive heat and needed milling.

The valve stems may need serviced to accomodate the head being milled .030" less. The cam will push valves deeper into the combustion chamber. There's a possibility the valves could become damaged or cause damages from touching piston crowns, so measure the valve to piston clearances with modeling clay. A valve clearance adjustment is the final step to ensure proper operation.

I recommend at least the purchase of a service manual for your ATV to guide you through basic maintenance. I would have a shop check the top end for you and make  recommendations as to necessary repairs.

I wouldn't start the engine until a tech inspects it, or have the seller start it before you buy it.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively