Solid Lash Adjuster for Checking Cam Timing

[matmaster]

I am in the process of checking my stock cam timing after having head/block machined. I have degreed V8 cams in the past...no problem. I need some way to adjust the lash adjuster for zero lash. has anyone done this before? I see that Concept racing makes solid adjustable lifters for the 4G63. I would rather not wait (and pay) for those if I can either modify a stock adjuster or get something else that will work.

Also, it seems that for stock cams, one should be able to put a dial indicator on the lifter/rocker arm to measure the valve opening point since the stock cam timing is at the point the valve lifts off the seat (not at 0.050" like most aftermarket cams). This doesn't seem to work...I wonder why?

Thanks

 

[NDgsx]

Bleed down the lifters (depress them by putting a paper clip in the oil supply hole to the rocker arm) and shim them until you get zero lash. Be careful and creep up on it, since you could have positive lash and be hanging the valve open.
It's hard to get on the rocker arm. I tack welded a rod to a spare retainer and bent it around the cam lobe. Be carful on lining up your dial indicator with the valve angle or your measurements will be off.

 

[matmaster]

OK, bled the lifter, shimmed it until I the valve started opening when tightening the cam bearing cap. I then took out .001 shims until the valve did not open, so I think I'm at 0 lash. Timing on intake cam (stock) is: opens at 11 BTDC and closes at 47 ABDC....!! That doesn't make any sense!!! 238 degree duration? I checked and rechecked the shims. Checked and rechecked the marks on the gears. I even put my dial indicator on the cam lobe itself and measured the duration....and got about 282 degrees. What am I missing here? It's my understanding the the stock cams are checked at valve opening (not at 0.05") is my lifter compressing a little still? that might account for late opening and early closing. I am baffled by this....it's not a complicated procedure but I'm about to go drop my engine in the creek and by a subaru.....a slow one!