Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): set value clearance, twin cylinder engines, john deere 425

Question
hi john how's your day?Ihave a 1997 john deere 425 with a kawasaki 20hp liquid cooler motor. fd620d ,family # ska617u1g2ra.This motor has 700 hrs on it and I would like to check the valve settings.what are the settings and how do I go about doing this? thanks in advance ~~~~~~~ mel

Answer
Hello Mel:

I'm Doing Great. Thanks for Asking. I Hope you and yours are Doing Good as Well. The OEM (Kawasaki) Suggest a Clearance of .010in. To Set the Valve Clearance; 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 Models you can Use a Pencil in the Spark Plug Hole and Slowly Turn the Engine Until the Pencil Stops Moving Out of the Engine and Both Valves have Play. Usually this is TDC Also. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .010in and the Exhaust to .010in. Using a Blade Type Feeler Gauge. When the Blade will Slide Between the Rocker Arm and the Valve Stem and is Snug, then Lock the Adjuster and Recheck the Clearance. You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.buykawpower.com/kmcb2c/main.jsp and Select View Parts Catalog. Then Select 4 Cycle. Then Select FD620D Engine. Then Select the Valve/Camshaft File. 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