I know this has been written about before, but how do I know my engine is the type that you just torque down the rocker arms, or do the 1/2 turn after taking the slack out of the push rod. I took a picture of the rocker arms and push rod, but can't seem to be able to attach the picture. Thanks...Mike

 

Turn the engine so the lifter in question is on the base circle, closed. Loosen the nut until the rocker is loose. Tighten the nut slowly, and pull up-and-down on the pushrod until there is no free play. Then tighten 3/4 turn more. Many people spin the pushrod, this is a lazy man's cheat, because the rod can spin freely even though there is some compression on it, and you'll get an erroneous adjustment.

 

I put in a new cam with new lifters, so I take it that ALL heads you just do the 3/4 turn, and not the torque down method. I do know how to get the lifters where they need to be.

 

I did mine while the engine was running. Backing the nut off until it would chatter, then tighten until quiet and then 1/2 a turn. It can get a bit smokey sometimes.

 

if the book calls for torque then you torque it and call it good. my 70 is like that. just torque them down. it could end up at 1/2 past touching the lifter to 1&3/4 past touching the lifter. it doesnt really matter, once the engine is started the oil pressure keeps the lifter where its set. i would be nice to have adjustable pushrods, then you could take them down then give them a 1/2 turn or let the engine run back them off until the click then tighten them down until they stop and give them another 1/2 turn. but i think most of the stock small block fords, and some big blocks, are positive stop, meaning you just torque them. unlike chevy that you adjust.

 

Depends on the rockers, but my last heads had press in studs and locking nuts. They were adjustable and 2+2GT's method is the way to do it, but I found that adjusting while the engine was running gave me the same results without finding a tapping rocker after I put the valve covers on. It sounds like the same setup Coop65 has.

 

The 65 is most definitely adjustable, NOT a torque type.

 

I also did mine with the engine running. I cut an old valve cover to keep the oil from getting on the headers. I also found using a section of hose put to a "helpers" ear was a good way to hear when it stops ticking.
Info and pictures of the us adjusting valves and of the valve cover:
http://chris66dad.tripod.com/id18.html

 

i always do mine and others like that. it's the quickest and absolutely messied of all options

 

I was wanting to adjust them wihout the engine running. It's now on an engine stand with fresh paint, new headers,fresh painted engine bay. Didn't want to get oil all over anything if I didn't have to. The way 2+2gt said is the way I was planing on doing it before, just didn't know for sure..... Thanks guys,,,,Mike