Originally Posted by yellow 72

For the love of God, not another hydraulic lifter how-to....there is absolutely NO reason to adjust them with the motor running!
How do you think GM did it on millions and millions of engines???
Here is the best and only way you need to properly preload chevy lifters:


In order to adjust the preload the lifter must be properly located on the base circle or “Heel” of the lobe. At this position the valve is closed and there is no lift taking place. You will need to watch the movement of the valves to determine which lifter is properly positioned for adjusting.

Hand rotate the engine in its normal direction of rotation and watch the exhaust valve on that particular cylinder. When the exhaust valve begins to open, stop and adjust that cylinder’s intake rocker arm. (Why? Because when the exhaust valve is just beginning to open, the intake lifter will be on the base circle of the lobe, the correct position for adjusting the intake.)

Continue to hand turn the engine, watching that same intake. It will go to full open and then begin to close. When it is almost closed, stop and adjust the exhaust rocker arm on that particular cylinder. Again, when we see the intake almost closed, we are sure that exhaust lifter is on the base circle of the lobe.

Both valves on this cylinder are now adjusted, and you can move on to your next cylinder and follow the same procedure again.

Originally Posted by ripforrey

Many threads on this. Solid lifters will clatter all the time. I adjust mine (hyd) with an old cover that has top cut off. Warm eng up then loosen nut until they clatter then tighten until clatter stops then 1/2 turn more.