Classic/Antique Car Repair: tappet adjustment, adjustment screws, tappet

Question
Hi Brad,Iam just about to check my tappet clearance(engine running) and wondered if you know the best method of preventing engine oil from spraying all over the engine.thanks (1956 t bird 312)

Answer
I have never found a solution to this problem hat did not have their own problems. However a folded towel has worked best, but it gets soaked and begins to drip as well as gets hot. One tech in the shop that I worked in during the late 50's took a pair of valve covers and used a hole saw to cut holes over the adjustment screws and the valve tips. This did a fair job of controlling the oil splash.