If you want a good guide on how to adjust the valves on a hydraulic Kohler Command 15 engine, then I will suggest that you watch this YouTube video by a reputable mechanic like Taryl. I can’t speak about Taryl’s specific video as my training data does not include YouTube videos; but, I can provide the technicalities of valve setting for this type of engine in detail. This is especially useful for DIYers who are comfortable with doing such repairs themselves and don’t have to take their engines to the mechanic every time they start making funny noises.
Importance of Valve Adjustment:
First off, let’s talk about why valve adjustment is essential. The valves in your engine control the flow of air and fuel into the cylinders and expel exhaust gases after combustion. If your valves are out of adjustment, this may result in them not opening or closing at the right times and to their correct extents which actually affects engine performance significantly. Poor fuel economy, power loss or even damaged engines can be experienced in severe cases.
Tools You’ll Need:
Before you start working on it, there are several things you’ll need:
- Measuring gages for checking valve clearance
- Wrench kit
- Screwdriver
- Torque wrench
- Engine shop manual (has specific torque specifications and procedures)
Safety First:
Safety cannot be overemphasized; make sure that one switches off the engine and giving it adequate time to cool down since nobody wishes to work when near a hot engine nor do they wish it could come alive unexpectedly.
The basic procedure is:
- Accessing Valves: Commonly these will be found under a valve cover located on top of an engine. By usually loosening some bolts, one removes a valve cover. Be careful when removing this cover so as to protect the gasket beneath it.
- Find Top Dead Center (TDC): Crank shaft has to be rotated until piston reaches its highest position called TDC. This is typically marked on the crankshaft pulley or flywheel. When the piston reaches TDC on the compression stroke, you would want to adjust the valves.
- Check and Adjust Valve Clearance: You need to determine your clearance between valve stem and rocker arm with a feeler gauge. If it’s out-of-spec (you will find this in shop manual), the correct clearance can be achieved by loosening locknut and adjusting screw. Once done, ensure that locknut is tightened again.
- Re-check and Repeat: After tightening, it’s good practice to re-check the clearance. You may have to do this a few times before getting it right as possible.
- Replace Valve Cover and Seal: Replace the valve cover carefully afterwards ensuring that there are no oil leaks through a good sealing process. At this time, if the gasket appears damaged, replace it.
Remember that setting your valves is precise work requiring great attention to detail; hence whenever unsure consult your shop manual and don’t hesitate seeking professional help at all.
So, while I can’t directly comment on Taryl’s YouTube video, what has been shared above should give you a reasonably thorough understanding of what you could be getting yourself into should you decide to do this job on your own. Enjoy wrenching!
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