I am not sure what you mean by "pointed them at each cylinder". Can you explain that better?

In a nutshell, to adjust the valves, you need to rotate the crankshaft watching the intake valve for the cylinder you want to adjust. After the intake valve closes, you need to get the piston for that cylinder top dead centre, then tighten down the rockers for that cylinder until there is no lash, (play), plus 1/2 to 3/4 turn. (Some say 1/2, some say 3/4). Then on to the next one. It's a bit more detailed than how I listed it but I tried to simplify it.

I would suggest priming the oil pump first before you do this though.

180 degrees out on the distributor will result in lots of backfiring but it sounds like you don't even have that.

Do you have voltage to the positive side of the coil?

If so, do you have spark at the plugs?

thats how i got the valves set.
with the valve cover off and stoppers on top of the pushrods you can do a final adjustment on the rockers.
I found my shop manual and followed the instructions on how to replace the distributor
one i did that it started right up !!
should have done that in the first place !!
a few minor exhaust leaks mainly the "donut" i think the one that was with the gasket set was too small.
But atl least it is running good enough to drive in and out of the carport so i can work on the front to put the grill and lights back on then my bumper.
thanks again


-- Edited by Lefty on Sunday 21st of November 2010 10:49:58 PM