Endurance engine?

[Dan Bollinger]

Having to adjust the lifters does not effect reliability or even dependability. It just means the engine requires more preventative maintenance. Having to adjust the lifters doesn't make reliability go down, but the cost of operation does go up. Actually, if the mower mows all season without fail it is "reliable." If you can count on it to mow any given day, even if you have to stop and adjust the lifters, then it is "dependable."

I put 400 hours on a Kawasaki 17Hp engine over 12 years and never needed to adjust the lifters.

I remember spending a lot of time with my Dad adjusting the lifters on our old Buick V-8. It was a job that needed three hands.

 

[cdaigle430]

The only engines I know of that do not require valve adjustments are those that use hydraulic type valves. I adjust the valves on my Honda Shadow Motorcycle, Honda Rincon 650 ATV, Brigs and Stratton motorcycle and my Husqvarna. Its really not that bad though my ATV is the most challanging because its a pain in the but to get the piston at top dead center.

 

[phcaan]

Having to adjust the lifters does not effect reliability or even dependability. It just means the engine requires more preventative maintenance. Having to adjust the lifters doesn't make reliability go down, but the cost of operation does go up. Actually, if the mower mows all season without fail it is "reliable." If you can count on it to mow any given day, even if you have to stop and adjust the lifters, then it is "dependable."

I put 400 hours on a Kawasaki 17Hp engine over 12 years and never needed to adjust the lifters.

I remember spending a lot of time with my Dad adjusting the lifters on our old Buick V-8. It was a job that needed three hands.

I agree with that Dan, and as you said, the out of adjustment valves don't necessarily mean the mower quits working, it may not run as efficiently as it could with proper valve maintenance. I check mine every season, it is not hard and I like my equipment to run as efficiently as it can.

 

[cdaigle430]

ves too loose=loss of throbbing horsepower,plus more noise.
Valves too tight=also HP loss,plus possible burnt valves.

Personally, I would not skimp on valve clearances, if goes wrong big time, it can be very expensive & the cost saved in not checking/adjusting the valves will be peanuts compared to a new head/valves/valve seats etc etc.

my 2 cents