Quote Originally Posted by techinspector1
If you'll cut the tops off an old set of valve covers, leaving the sides in place, you can idle the motor all day long without getting oil on anything. Just cut enough out so that you can get in there on all the rocker nuts with a socket.
I have a set of small block valve covers I keep just for the same explanation tech listed above..but before I fire a motor up Ive always adjusted them just like Mr. rifle listed in an earlier post.