Well I am not quite confused but amazed that there is so much variation among experienced folks, but I think Denny put his finger on the problem and that is why hydraulic lifters were invented, to make up for variation in manual settings. However you guys do have me sufficiently confused on this that assuming my dry settings allow the engine to run at first I am going to rely on resetting them while running with a slotted valve cover. With solid lifters in a VW engine the lash could be set tight if you were careful and gain 2 or 3 HP which is quite a bit if the engine is rated at 50 HP but with hydraulic lifters the oil pressure is supposed to regulate the lash AND absorb variation in the settings for different cylinders. Maybe that is why ol' Henry ground the valve lash at the factory and you did not have to worry about it unless you put in Johnson adjustable lifters. Hey, I am just listening and learning.

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder