At 02:27 AM 6/11/2013, MICHAEL H wrote:
>David - thanks for the encouragement. all fingers and both thumbs still intact

Haha, I actually meant if you can do things by feel without having to
have your eyes on them. <g>

>  so I'll be diving in at weekend.

Suggest getting a look at the adjusting screws early, 'cause if the
ends are pounded unevenly you'll have to get new ones or clean up the
ends of the existing ones.  The too-large ends hang over one side of
the valve stem so you end up with a little mountain range on that
side.  My engine and Gary Anderson's '85 both exhibited this so I
suspect it's common.  Note that as soon as you touch the rocker arm
bolt-up you have to adjust them all, ATB.

>  the line drawings are adequate to a point and no mention of the
> seating of the rod into the lifter.

There's a throwaway line, first sentence of 15.24 ("guide pushrod
carefully into socket..."), same page as a decent drawing of the
lifter end showing contours.

>was hoping for a balance all of the rods on a popsicle stick while
>fitting the arm assembly kind of salvation. knew it wasn't possible
>, but, knowing where the bull's eye is should make it an easier shot.

There may be a magic trick, I just don't know about it if so.  The
trick, if you will, is keeping the active awareness of the status of
all four rods in mind at every instant.  If you lose track of one or
have doubts about it you have to slack off until it's loose enough to
check the position again. I have the above-mentioned good hands with
eyes in the fingertips, and as I recall (from 10+ years ago) I found
it a careful job requiring thoughtful awareness and patience and
willingness to backtrack, but not a frustrating one.  My fingers are
advising me that they remember how to do it and would be happy to do it again.

>                                   take care, be well and

You too, mate.

Yrs,
d