[Asshat]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

I resemble that remark.

Usually trying to twist a chromoly oil soaked pushrod between your oil soaked greasy fingers, you don't realize that the rod is actually slipping between your fingers as pressure is put on the rod as you tighten the rocker nut. Leads to having too much preload added to your adjustment. So wiggling them up and down is usually more accurate to know when all lash is taken out.

After doing this for almost 40 years, I wiggle them up and down until I can't feel anymore lash, and then gently twist them too.

Gary

I was able to confirm the valve lash last night, all valves were pretty close to where they should be. I’m going to purchase a donor valve cover, so I can cut the top off.
I’m confident the valves are not the issue. I’ll advance the timing next; we’ll see how that goes. I’ll also check the brakes, however, I’m pretty sure they’re not dragging that bad. It’s just annoying as hell.