Dennis:

I adjusted them because over the years the valve clatter got louder,
and it sounded like the lifters weren't ever pumped up, even after
highway driving.  When I opened the valve covers, some of the
adjustment screws were pretty far from the end of the valve stem -- I
could move the rocker arm back and forth a millimeter or so at TDC.

Best,
d.

Date:    Sat, 19 May 2012 17:36:27 -0400
From:    Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: valve adj.: lower compression, valvetrain noise remains

Why did you see the need to adjust them in the first place? Once properly
set up they are self adjusting with a significant amount of tolerance. If
they should need an adjustment something is wrong.

One thing to be aware of is that there will be a wear pattern-groove
on the
valve adjusting screws. Adjusting the screws and miss matching the groove
can cause the valve stem and screw to wear rapidly.

As has been posted it is common for the lifters to get air bound and
make a
lot of racket. The fix for this is really to let the engine run until the
oil is warm and then either drive it or rev the engine at 3,000 to
4,000 rpm
to get the lifters pass oil and pump up. While adjusting you will be
able to
feel the ones that are soft. You need to be careful during adjusting that
you don't miss take the slack being taken out of the pushrod for bottoming
out the lifter.

Dennis