[blykins]

If you find that your pointer covers the marks, then I think you're using the wrong pointer position on the cover. Like Patrick says, the adjustable timing pointers are the cat's meow.

Also, when you set the preload/lash on valves, are you bringing the cylinder to TDC of the compression stroke and then setting them both? That's ok on engines with extremely mild cams, but you're a lot better off to set them a different way.

On the intake valves, turn the engine over until the exhaust valve for that cylinder is starting to open, then set the intake valve.

On the exhaust valves, turn the engine over until the intake valve is starting to close...then set the exhaust valve.

It only takes 2-3 minutes to run the valves.