stupid questions about engine building

[jakes_GSXR]

They mean to grab hold of the push rod to the rocker you're adjusting and spin it with your fingers till you feel the slightest pressure on the pushrods. That would be Zero right when you feel resistance to you trying to spin the pushrod

[TylerT/AZ28]

well i think i got the pushrod thing down, i rotated the engine till the lifter was at its lowest point and tightened the rockers until it has a little wiggle room in it.

[s8bayer]

They mean to grab hold of the push rod to the rocker you're adjusting and spin it with your fingers till you feel the slightest pressure on the pushrods. That would be Zero right when you feel resistance to you trying to spin the pushrod

This is the method I used for the rockers. It takes a while to go all the way around but I did the same thing on all 16 rockers. I did a 90 turn after the pushrod couldn't be turned by fingers anymore.

I didn't use and permitex on a 1 piece oil pan gasket. I highly recommend these gaskets. Very nice. I think we did 20 ft lbs on the bolts but I really don't remember that.

I would recommend just buying the engine primer tool. If you have a old distributor you can make one. Just look it up online. Basically you remove the gear and chuck it into a drill so it just spins the oil pump connecting rod. I would just spin it for a few minutes, but they are right, you want oil at the top, that is the point. Make sure you prime it near when you plan on starting the motor.

Good luck.

[1BADAIR]

turning the pushrods isnt the best way. by the time there i enough load to feel tension or stop(not correct) the rod from turning you are already loading the lifter. takes a light touch. you can compress the lifter with your hands(expecially a new one)
Also make sure to submerge them in oil( i do it over night)
this is how we set ls1 preload

[TylerT/AZ28]

i put a light coat of permatex on the seal just because it made me feel alittle better. i think the rockers a set enough so that i can let it idle and then redo it all over again.
a church member actually had the primer tool in his truck so after church he lent it to me for the time being. thanks for all the help guys ill let you know if i get stuck on anything. everythings a learning experience glad you guys are a good source of info

[masterfab]

turning the pushrods isnt the best way. by the time there i enough load to feel tension or stop(not correct) the rod from turning you are already loading the lifter. takes a light touch. you can compress the lifter with your hands(expecially a new one)
Also make sure to submerge them in oil( i do it over night)
this is how we set ls1 preload

X2 this is the best way. he is 100% correct on this.