How do I know when a lifter is on the base of the cam if there if the valve lash isn't set in the first place? seems to me that it would be almost impossible to get it dead on the heel with slack in rockers. Should I get all the rocker nuts snug and then back it off when setting each preload? Also how can i be sure that any valve im looking at is at full lift? thanks guys, i get the overall picture just trying to sort everything out in my head before i go at it.

i always adjust my valves with it running......always does ok for me

Thats the thing to get it running i need to set the valve lash. i had the whole top off. all i need to know is how to i know when a valve is at full lift if there is no preload on the lifter?