WHICH "Vortec"? Six-popper? Vee-six? Small-block? Big-block? What year?
Doesn't even have to be at TDC.
There was a time when that was my "go-to" method. I have valve covers cut for access to the adjuster nuts, holds-in the oil spray.
NEVER in "overlap", always on the base circle.
Yup. But then you're dicking with rotating the crank every cylinder.
The fastest, easiest way to adjust hydraulic lifters on a Chevy small-block Vortec:
Start with the crank in ANY position. Doesn't matter where it is. You'll have to make a mark on the damper lined-up with the timing pointer if you don't start with the existing timing marks lined-up, though.
Loosen all the rocker nuts so you have lash on every pushrod. Tighten ALL the rockers to just remove the lash. This is the "zero-lash" point.
Rotate the crank exactly one turn. This is why you either had to have the timing marks aligned, or make your own alignment mark on the damper.
SOME of the rockers will be loose. Tighten only the loose ones to the zero-lash point.
Tighten ALL the rockers "your choice" of preload. Used to be that Chevy recommended one full turn of the adjuster nuts. Most guys I know use 1/2 turn. Some use less. Pick an amount, tighten all the rockers that amount, and lock the adjustment if you're not using self-locking (OEM-style) nuts.
Put the valve covers on. Have a beer. You're done.
