Whats the correct way to adjust valves?

[Trueoo7]

I have a 302 with cast iron heads (no rollers) I've been told that the way to adjust the rocker arms is to loosen while the engine is running until it starts clacking and then tighten ever so slightly until noise goes away. (A bit messy I'm told)
The manual says to just torque them down to 28ft lbs with the engine off.
Which is correct and or best?
Thanks
Trueoo7

[Bruce Edwards]

Do you have studs on your head that have a stop built in? If so you just make it tight they have no adjustment. The ones you have to adjust will have a screw in stud with a guide plate. Those you should adjust with the car running.

[trularin]

If you have an adjustable valve train ( for the 302 that would be something installed, not stock ) you do the first method.

If you have the stock valve train and the rockers are on posts, you do the later.

Check your heads for sloted holes that are a hair bigger than the push rods, that will most likely be the torque down version.

Hope this helps.

[speed220mph]

Get HPBoos' How to Rebuild Your Small-Block Ford for about anything you need to know for building and adjusting earlier small-block Fords.

Hydraulic and solid lifters require different adjustment techniques. The object with "adjusting" valves with hydraulic lifers is to place the lifter plunger at the mid-point of its travel. As for solid lifters, a slight amount of clearance will be needed to ensure the valves fully close when the lifter is on the cam-lobe base circle. For the exact method on how to adjust either type, use instructions detailed in the book I mentioned, a manual or from the cam manufacture.