valve lash?
 

I'm reinstalling my heads the lifters were not removed, so they have oil in them yet right???what do I set the valve lash at???its a hyd. flat tappet cam.....
Don

I could be having a brain cramp,
 

but wouldn't you set them at contact + 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn further????

Having oil in them isn't really an issue. I would get a small flashlight to look down at the lifter. Tighten the rocker until the pushrod just makes contact with the lifter. tightening until the pushrod no longer twists might depress the inner plunger a bit and result in a mis-adjusted rocker. With the flashlight you can see the inner plunger go down when you put the 1/2 to 3/4 turn to it after initial contact.

Half to three-quarter turn past zero lash, oil or not. The lifters will have plenty of time to bleed down between adjustment and engine run-up. Sorry I didn't return your calls yesterday. Didn't get in til late and didn't think you'd want me to call at 11:30pm. I can probably help tonight if you need it, after 6pm.
Megan's going to Mich. State vet clinic next Tuesday morning. By the way, I AM back to work, I was just yanking your chain the other day.

Dave I have to pick up the head gaskets from Jerry after 2:00 and then I'm going over to put them back on.....dont know how long I'll be there.... sure could use the coaching on the valves

Lifter should still be pumped up properly. I alway do 1 turn after zero lash (rod stops turning) on a BB and 1/2 turn on a small block. Never had a problem. Just make sure you are on the base circle of the cam on each valve.

BT

:cool:

When I used to have hyd. lifters I would adjust them 1/4 turn down after contact with engine warm.

yea, i do the 1/4 turn too. Thats what Edelbrock says for their lifters.

Brad is correct. Tighter rockers until you can feel drag while rotating pushrod w/ fingers, then go 1/2 to 3/4 turn more.

Professional mechanic friend told me it doesn't matter if they are filled with oil. You are ideally shooting for .025 - .040" depression at lifter (look for clearance between lifter c-clip and lifter as the internal piston of the lifter depresses.

CrazyHorse stopped by last night and set them for me ....thanks for all the reply's!!!