Can you adjust valve lash without the engine running? I tried to do it with the engine running but the socket will not stay on the adjusting nut. I just installed a new camshaft.

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1988 GTA 5.7L Auto
355 ci. block, SLP Cold Air Intake w/ K&N, fully modified MAF Sensor, TPIS 52mm Throttle Body w/Air Foil, Fully Ported and Polished Plenum, Nikel-plated Ported SLP Siamesed Runners, Ported TPIS Big Mouth Intake Manifold, stock heads w/ 1.52 Comp Cams Self-aligning Roller Rockers, TPIS ZZ-9 Roller Camshaft, TPIS Valve Springs, Cloyes True Double Roller Timing Chain, TPIS Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator, Balanced Bosch 22 lb/hr Fuel Injectors, MSD 6AL, Taylor 10mm Wires, Bosch Platinum +4 Spark Plugs, MSD Blaster Coil, March Underdrive Pulleys, 6 3/4" Vibratech Streetdamper, TPIS Level 3 PROM, 160 T-stat, Low Temp. Fan Switch, Stock Distributor w/ Bronze Gear, SLP 1 3/4" Headers, Random Technologies High Flow Cat., Adjustable Borla Cat Back Exhaust, Level 10 PTS-3 700R4 Trans, B&M Holeshot 2400 Stall Converter, B&M Trans Cooler, TCI Aluminum Finned Trans Pan, 3" Balanced Aluminum Driveshaft, 3.73 Richmond Gears, Auburn Pro-Series Differential, LPE Aluminum Differential Cover w/ Main Cap Preloads, BF Goodrich Drag Radials, Hotchkis Lower Control Arms, Hotchkis Panhard Rod, Bilstein Heavy Duty Shocks and Struts, 1LE Springs, Energy Suspension Polyeurethane Bushings, Global West Tubular Subframe Connectors, Global West Steering Box Brace, HP Motorsports 3 Point Strut Tower Brace

 

Yes, you can and should adjust the lash when the engine is not running. An easy way to do it is to bring the engine to TDC on #1 cylinder. Now adjust the valves for #1. Now, following the firing order for the engine, bring each cylinder to TDC and adjust its valve lash. There are shortcuts available for adjusting valve lash, but for most people this is the easiest way to get it done.

 

Moving this to the "Tech/General Engine" forum. This forum is for aftermarket parts review.

Thanks for your understanding.