John Deere 737 running hot

[jjfastback]

I recently noticed my kawasaki 23 hp v twin engine was getting really hot, and the front seal started leaking oil, caused by the heat I think.
had a friend who is a JD mech work on it and he thought it was running lean on the left side, he said it was running 150 degrees hotter than the other side.
He cleaned the carb and told me it was good to go. Got it home and cut grass for 30 minutes and its doing the same thing, any ideas?
It's not backfiring and it seems to have plenty of power, just getting hot, valve covers sizzling hot and also the crank coming out the back is sizzling, which could explain the seal on the front going out.
also the engine fins have been cleaned too.

 

[beenthere]

I'd be right quick back with the "friend" JD mech for his expertise and "fix".

Sounds like some air cooling is getting stopped up. Have you had the engine shrouds off for cleaning?

:welcome: to TBN

 

[jjfastback]

Yes I cleaned behind the shroud, I also ran some seafoam through it and changed out the fuel filter today. I ran it for 20 minutes or so and did a temp reading on the left and right valve covers, left was 182 degrees and right side was 155

 

[BBO]

Make sure the muffler does not have a rusted hole blowing on that seal.
Not on a 737, but I have seen this.

 

[jjfastback]

I think the problem with it running lean and overheating was the fuel filter, 4$ fix