This is a continuation from my previous thread on setting timing for new engine.
It still won't start, just chugs and spits back thru the carb. I checked for any vacuum leaks, set timing as suggested, verified TDC on comp stroke and still does the same thing.
My question is, has anyone used Comp Cams 812-16 lifters (hydraulic) and how did you adjust them???

I adjusted mine with the intake off so I could see exactly when the pushrod lost all it's up and down play and the spring wasn't depressed at all. Then I took 1/2 turn more.
BUT I had to change to adjustable p-rod guides after I primed the oil system and had pressure in the #8 & #7 lifters.
I took the up & down movement out then 1/2 turn more. On the 2 lifters that were oil filled, the 1/2 turn opened the valve. The spring didn't compress at all. They acted like solids.
Do I need to back these off and if so what happened to the "1/2 turn after lash is out" rule??
Thanks a bunch guys
JZ

JZ,
It sounds like you have them adjusted correctly. Once they get pumped up with oil, they will hold the valve open, thats how they open it when its running. They will bleed back down after sitting for a while with spring pressure on them. Sounds like you may have something else wrong causing your no start condition. How are you setting the timing ? Have someone crank the starter while you look at it with your timing light hooked up. You should be able to see where it is set, even at cranking speed.

Thanks Bill, I set the timing by positioning the 15 deg on the damper with zero on the pointer, then set the rotor pointing at #1 wire.
I'll try the timing by cranking.

Don't the valves have to close and seal to run? I had the lifters on the bottom of the cam lobes when I set them of course, and that's when I saw the primed lifters open the valve. So it makes sense that they are staying open like that when trying to start.
I'm stumped.
Thanks for any and all ideas here.
JZ