Tighten valves how tight before adjusting?

[MercMonster]

Maybe a duh question, but when reinstalling the head, how tight are the valves supposed to be before adjusting? I mean before actually starting the engine up to adjust the valves? Just snug?? Loose?? Try to get them close as possible to zero lash with cold engine stopped? Doesn't really explain that in manual....Do you have to do cold adjustment first like shown in manual before doing engine running adjustment?

 

[xltier]

Re: Tighten valves how tight before adjusting?

bring each cylinder up on compression stroke in order and turnn the pushrod with your thumb and index finger from loose.when it starts to feel tension go another 3/4 turn.that should be real close.hth

 

[MercMonster]

Re: Tighten valves how tight before adjusting?

Okay, that sounds like Engine Stopped adjustment before and in addition to Engine Running adjustment according to the Mercruiser manual. Manual wasn't clear on that and this is first time doing it myself, so thanks a lot for the clarification!