curious about valve lash setting/check

oldlover; Assuming the lifters are new and empty of oil, it is difficult to adjust hydraulic lifters using the pushrod turning method. Nice rocker system by the way.

I'd start by backing off the hex screws out till they are all even with the locknuts. Then adjust the valves using one of several different methods of finding out which valve is up. I like to look for the valve rocker that is down, and adjust the rocker next to it [for the SAME cylinder]. Then turn the harmonic balancer bolt [crankshaft] 1/2 turn, and do the next four. Two revs of the crank should do it. Mark each rocker after adjusting.

To adjust: back off each hex adjuster until you feel clearance [lash] in the rocker arm. Then tighten the hex until there is no lash. Then tighten hex 3/4 turn and torque the lock nut to spec. By the 16th time you will be good at it. The 3/4 turn is a guess, others may know more.