I just got my engine rebuilt, when I went to start it up all the rocker arms were loose. I thought I adjusted them all right, but maybe they unadjusted because oil now got into the lifters so this could cause me to have to redo it. Anyhow I readjusted them with the valve covers off, and it seemed like the tapping would go away right when I couldn't turn the nut anymore with my fingers(not with any tool). So wouldn't this mean I'm at zero lash since the noise went away? Also wouldn't it always be about zero lash if you finger tightened it, because I don't think it is possible for someone to go past zero lash unless someone has the strength to push down the part of the lifter that the pushrod sits on by finger tightening the nut. Thanks for any help.

 

With the engine running, I loosen them up until they start making noise, then I start tightening until the noise goes away and about 1/8-1/4 turn on top of that. I wouldn't do it finger tight.

 

I forgot to mention I have comp 'r' lifters, so I figured I would just go 1/16 past zero lash and this would happen when I would go to tighten the middle nut with a allen wrench cause it would turn the whole entire nut about a 1/16 when I tightened it down, if this makes since.

 

Ever thought of holding the poly lock with a wrench and tighten the allen?????
Your first problem is ya got Comp "R" lifters. See stickie on title page about these lifter's.

 

The point was for me not to hold onto the polylock so it could pre-load it. Yeah I know about the comp r's but I already had them.

 

I also have Comp R's and the above procedure is what I use.

 

Don't understand. Ya turn the hex part of the lock to the proper adjustment--Then ya hold it there with a wrench and tighten the allen lock.Then to make sure it don't come loose bump the wrench in the tighten direction until tight. The 1/16 demision is not that critical it can be a little more/less.It could be 3/32 and be allright.

 

For MOREL lifters what should be the procedure?

 

Your best bet is to ask their manufacturer about it. I do not have experience with those.