I just bought an LT 230s. I got it started and noticed a clicking/ticking sound at low idle. I am assuming a valve adjustment will take care of that. It seemed like it was running hot so I used my temp gun and shot temps around the head. It was really hot (over 340 degrees) near the spark plug and hotter than it should be (high 200s) on the rest of the head. I know it is oiling some as I can tell from the movement of oil in the check oil window and I removed the valve cover bolt while running and oil sprayed everywhere. Do you think the valve spacing could be causing this or what other things should I check? It seems to run fine and doesn't smoke but I am concerned it is about to burn up.

 

I think you are on the right path checking valve adjustment. I would also check jetting/check your plug. It could be a little lean or someone may be running a hotter plug than stock. I really don't know what head temperatures should be, but being an air cooled engine I would suspect it would run hot just idling for extended periods.

 

I don't think it'll burn up...just loose power...air cooled engines are known for loosing power when they get hot...definitely diagnose the ticking...ticking is bad...

 

Is there anyone that can take some temperature readings of their LT230s on the head?

 

Kris do you have a stock exhaust on it??? I had my Suzuki exhaust clogged with RUST n it would do the same thing yours is doing.Take it off and let it run for a bit n see if it runs hot.