Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1964 Chevelle Malibu SS, small block chevy, chevelle malibu

Question
What is the procedure to set  or adjust the hydraulic lifters?

Answer
For a normal small block Chevy V8, with the engine fully warm and idling, you back off the adjuster until you hear each valve begin to click and continue to keep clicking for at least a few seconds. When it does that, slowly turn the nut clockwise until the clicking just barely stops, then 1/4 turn more.  The engine will stumble for a few seconds, then smooth out.  Then turn the nut another 1/4 turn, with the same result.  Keep this up on each valve until you have tightened it a total of 1 1/4 turns - that will put the lifter in the middle of its operating range.

Dick