I have read all of the above, it's great information. I do have a few side notes that may help you get through this.
First, when you get the plugs out and valve cover off, you should be able to turn the engine over by using the fan or belt. Turn it over a few times and watch what each part does and see how it works. You can even use the starter if you want, just to see things move.
To get number 1 piston in the right place, watch the two valves over that cylinder. Think about the four strokes of the engine, intake down(valve open), compression up(valves closed), fire/power down ( still closed), exhaust up ( valve open), etc.... By turning engine a few times you will start to see what is happening. When the intake valve is closing you know you are coming up on the compression cycle and piston is nearing the top of the cylinder and both valves are in the closed position.Your timing mark should be real close to (0), or what ever it has and rotor should be pointing at #1 post on the cap. This is where you adjust them. Like the above post said, you are adding clearance at the tip of the valve and rocker arm. With solid lifter, you need this clearance so when the engine heats up and metals starts to expand, everything stays in a given tolerance so the engine will run. Say 5-7 intake and 15-17 exhaust would be OK. It would be better to be on the tight side as they will open as they wear in. Nothing ever gets tighter with age
. The intakes don't need as much due to the cooling of the valve by the fresh air/fuel charge passing over it. The exhaust stays hot from the hot gases. If the rockers are to tight, the valve will never rest on the seat and won't transfer the heat away, then you burn valves and seats.
To check which lifter you have, pull the valve cover off with the engine cold and see if you can push the push-rods down any. They should seem a little spongy with hydralics. If they are hydralic, you can adjust them with it running just as above post stated. Idle engine down pretty slow, then starting at the front, back each adjusting nut off and back the adjusting screw out till you hear the tic tic tic of loose rockers. You may have to go in and out a few times till you can start to hear the difference, Once you got the hang of the tic's' tighten back down 3/4 to 1 full turn after the ticing quits. Don't go to much more or you could bottom out the lifter, then you hurt things! Just move to the next in line as it doesn't matter what the order is. You can even do them twice, the second time should start to tic with 3/4 to 1 turn out. This is real easy once you get going. After you have done them all, shut off engine and tighten the lock nuts to the proper torque, clean up oil, and install cover.
As you see everybody has there way of doing things, you will find yours after awhile. This is like shopping for a new car. Its best to shop around and ask a lot of questions. You are doing great so far! Keep at it and keep us posted. This is what this site is all about. Joe
