vipersteve -
Tom has a good way to set the valve-lash, here's another:
It doesn't take much talent to set valves, just good mechanical sense
. Setting the valves on a cold engine is fine...
When setting the valves we know to start at "zero lash." That's by tightening the rocker arm down until it *just contacts the pushrod and lifter* once you have the engine at the proper stroke (compression stroke, backside of cam lobe).
Here's the trick -
While slowly tightening down on the rocker arm, roll the pushrod with your thumb and forefinger, as soon as you feel a "slight drag" your now at zero lash, at this point, tighten down another 1/2 to 3/4 turn on the rocker arm.
A few more tips -
*Make sure to lubricate all additional parts with engine oil before assembly.
*Using a remote starter switch makes the job much easier, but be certain your car is in neutral and the e-brake is on.
*Be certain to *always* check rocker arm geometry while the roller sits on the tip of the valve.
*Sometimes it takes a good 10 - 15 minutes of engine runtime to "quiet" the valve train after setting valve-lash.
*The ECU will need time to relearn your new modifications, more notably idle will be poor at first.
*Take your time doing the job!
Good luck,
Doug
