James---Taking out the sparkplugs makes it easier to turn the engine
over, but not necessary. You can put the car if fourth gear and roll it
either forward of back to get the valve(s) closed.
Since valve lash is set when the valve train is riding on the cam base
circle, there's a large window in which to accomplish the task for each
cylinder, or station.
On an engine with a mild camshaft, there's about 270 deg. of intake
intake + 270 exhaust. Subtract 40 deg. when both intake and exhaust
valves are on overlap . 540 deg. - 40 deg. = 500 that leaves us with
220 deg. of crankshaft rotation in which you can set the lash. It's then
obvious that you can set several stations without turning the crank at
all. Wiping the rocker studs with with a piece of chalk after checking
clarance will keep you from losing your place.
Being able to turn the pushrods with your fingertips will guarantee that
the valve(s) are closed and adjustable.
Dick
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