Ford: Sable valve adjustment, head gaskets, head gasket

Question
I have just replaced the head gaskets on my 95 sable with a 3.0 cu in engine. The book says torque them to 28 ft lbs. When I do this it seems the valves stay open because when I try to start it it sounds like there is no compression. When I loosen them all the way the car will sometimes start. Could the lifters be my problem? By the way I replaced the head gaskets because the water pump failed and it overheated and blew the head gasket.  

Answer
Lifters are not your problem.  The most likely possibilities are bent pushrods or to much torque on the rocker arms.  Best recommendation loosen all rocker arm until you can rattle them while rattling each tighten just until it no longer moves.  Then tighten them down 90 degrees on wrench or ratchet.  Then try it.  If it runs but rattles adjust the rocker arms while running until each one stops knocking.