Biggest Mistake You Will Make When Adjusting The Valves On A Generator

Biggest mistake you will make when adjusting the valves on a generator. This applies to all 4 stroke, 4 cycle engines out there. Watch this video first BEFORE you attempt to start adjusting the valves on your unit. This also applies to pressure washers, walk behind lawn mowers, riding lawn tractors/mowers, general purpose engines, Honda, Kohler, Tecumseh, Briggs & Stratton, etc.

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[StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

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[ronberry]

Had close to the same scenario with an old auto tech I worked for. We both raced dirt track cars. He was adjusting the valves the same way you do, but due to the overlap of a race cam, the lifters are NOT on the base circle of the cam.
It takes longer, but I always use the "exhaust just starts to open, adjust intake", "intake Almost closed, adjust exhaust".
He was amazed how loose his valve lash was once he tried it my way. Many thanks to my grandpa that taught me that 45 years ago.

[tomstitt]

Another great video that shows why it’s a school day every day for everyone of us.

[kennethcolbert]

Thank you for this video I'm going to adjust my valves soon this is good to know. I have work on small engines a lot but never have had a OHV engine on a lawnmower engine before.

[doyleredwine]

Wow, hard to believe a mechanic would not know the positions of cylinder on a 4 stroke motor. I could see an amateur making this mistake. I usually plug the spark plug hole with my finger to make sure I am on compression stroke as it will build up pressure in the cylinder. Easy to feel with your finger or thumb covering the top of the spark plug hole. Love the vid though brother. Well done and to the point quickly.

[-siimply-lucy-]

You do a great job Steve and really help a lot of people. Keep those videos coming!

[rodneyslinger]

This is by far one of the best YouTube channels there is. Very helpful videos that are easy to understand. Very much appreciated.

[phil]

Love your channel. Donyboy73 gave me the habit of spinning the engine until one valve is open, then adjust the closed one. Great video.

[armyofshea]

Always struggled knowing which stroke the engine was on. Knew that there were two TDCs, but always questioned my ability to know for sure which one it was on. This short video is gold! Thank you, Sir, for another one for the mental toolbox.

[marcs]

I used to do this on vehicle engines. Put your finger over the sparkplug hole, when the pressure builds, you can feel and hear it. Now watch the piston. Thats TDC. A must know when working on any four stroke engine.
Great video!!

[billythekidperez]

I learned how to adjust valves on small engines at my dads lawnmower shop when I was 12 . He owned the the store for 9 years, best time of my life! That was many years ago and I wish I was back there now

[JeffJeno]

One of the biggest reasons I love your tutorials is the application of real world logic and common sense.

[oldoldpilgrim]

Mechanics like Timmy are why I don't trust mechanics. If I want my engine messed up, I'll do it myself for free.

[apackwestbound]

Another awesome production! Not only are you a master mechanic you are also a MASTER educator! I have no idea what the "best" channel on YouTube is and never will, but Steve's Small Engine Saloon is right there among the top contenders. Thank you!

[admiraldre]

STEVE: Great videos. I am 67 years old and have been doing this for almost 60 years. I have a couple of observations. First until the most recent power plants, Engines the valves were in the block and were only adjusted during an overhaul / rebuild by grinding the base of the valve stem. This might not have been apparent to an old timer. I was also a VW mechanic during the "Air Cooled Bug" era so I bring some other experience to the table.
Second A very important thing to know is that TDC is not a good place to adjust the valves because by doing so you run the risk of being up on the "COMPRESSION RELEASE" device.
If this is done the Exhaust valve will be loose and the compression release will not work causing the engine to crank over very hard and my lock up the starter motor or pull the starter cord from your hand very aggressively. I would watch the valves especially the exhaust valve rocker for the valve lift from the compression release then just past that I would make the adjustments. Keep up the great work. The Zama carb. adjustment video made my weekend!
David In Jamestown RI

[MarkSWilliams]

Steve, Your videos are the best. I watched about a dozen videos on this subject and you are the first one I saw explaining this crucial point. Thanks.

[murph]

Awesome tip I didn't know this! I usually just do atvs and use the hash mark.p but in the case of no timing hash marks great tip! Love ur channel

[martinh]

Hey Steve, I just wanna say thanks for all the FREE information. I've been an automotive technician for over 15 years and recently was laid off from my job because of the virus at a Ford dealership. I took a new line of work in small engine repair. I always knew the fundamentals and how they worked overall but your videos have shown me those things, those little details one only learns from years of hands on experience. Thanks bud!

[royphelps]

Great information. Was beginning to adjust valves on my Kohler 18 hp. I knew about TDC but now making sure I'm on the compression stroke for adjustments. Again, very valuable information. Just love your videos...keeps one out of trouble!!

[northdakotaham]

I have gotten a 4 stroke engine which the previous owner could not get it started once it was reassemble after overhaul. He had timed the engine to the wrong stroke. When I set valves, I just turn the engine to the point where the intake is fully compressed, then adjust the exhaust. Then turn some more until the exhaust is fully compressed, set the intake. I mostly work on 4 and 6 cylinder engines so this saves some time. These are old engines of course, before hydraulic lifters.