I assume you're referring to adjustment after the engine is installed
and known working correct?

In my case, I have a lifter that leaks down after a week or two of
sitting. I was in doubt as to how to adjust the valve on the lifter in
question. I did this:

Ran engine until lifter was quiet. This took less than a minute so
engine was luke warm at most. When pulley and a set of valves were in
the correct position (closed) I backed out each adjuster until I could
**just** feel rocker moving, then turned screw in 1.5 turns.

If lifters take longer to get quiet, drive van at night until they're
quiet. If they are still pumped up the next morning, you're good to
go.

If not, try running van early in day, then check again when engine cold.

BTW, I was able to identify the leaky lifter by sound, (head under
engine) and by the feel of the rocker arm when that particular set of
valves were closed. (correct position for adj.) It was surprising the
amount of play I felt. I had to push/pull fairly hard. Do not identify
the feel (lots of play) of a rocker on a NON pumped up lifter, as
excessive valve lash that needs to be adjusted via the screw. Make
sure this lifter is pumped up, then adjust it in the correct manner.

There is a great tutorial on Bens site. There is also a link to Boston
Bob's info on lifters somewher in archives.

Cheers,

Neil.

On 11/1/07, vanagonvw <ac.vanagon@gmail.com> wrote:
> 81 air cooled. The engine is apart, and has been sitting around for a
> month since it was last run. Lots and lots of miles on the existing
> valve train components.
>
> I am reading all the info on adjusting the lifters, but so far,
> everything refers to a warm engine, or one that was run "last night" to
> pump up the lifters.
>
> What is the recommended procedure/number of turns from zero lash when
> starting from scratch with a stone cold motor, and likely more than on
> or two lifters that have leaked down?
>
> Thanks,
>
> John
>

--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia -
"Jaco"  (Bustorius)

http://web.mac.com/tubaneil