Cold valve adjustment specs and procedure

[Deleted User]

I have searched all over and have not found a definitive answer, I have a ClifforD .391 lift cam (7x copy)in my 308 and the cold adjustment specs are .016 in and .018 ex according to Clifford, but I'm not understanding the procedure outlined in the 78-3 TSB. is goes by steps, but the steps are not defined as to how far to turn the crank, I'm assuming you start with no. 1 TDC and go from there. but this is where it does not make sense. I tried pulling the plugs to put each cyl on TDC, but you cannot see the pistons, can someone point me in the right direction??

[Deleted User]

Walt here. Remove valve covers and turn the crank by the nut on the counter balancer, with spark plugs removed. Now watch number 1 valves, turn engine till you see intake valve raise, then start to lower, now go to number 6 valves and watch exhaust valve start to close and when you see the intake valve just start to move, you are number 1 top dead center, adjust those valves. Clifford also said to adjust both valves at 0.020" cold, if using his cam. Now go to number 5 and do the same thing watching number 2 exhaust, then 3 watching number 4, then 6 watching number 1, then number 2 watching number 5, then number 4 watching number 3. This sets the valves all at top dead center. If you have a comp cam you must adjust valves every 5,000 mile. If a stock cam adjust every 10,000 miles at intake 0.014" and exhaust at 0.017" This is for today's gas as it burns hotter and this gives the valve head time to cool on the seat. Set this way my engine has 130,000 miles and still 130 lbs compression even after 12 trips across this country. Walt.

[Deleted User]

Walt, that worked great! The care runs better than it ever has, they were all way to tight, THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!

[Deleted User]

Walt, I just found the cam box in my fathers attic and I was wrong about it being a .391 lift cam, it is the 1956 mechanical grind cam, .372" lift and 254 dur. do you know if I should still use the .020 and .020 clearance??