re: "the more i learn the less i know"
Hi boys 'n girls,
I had a broken push rod... (snip to present day
All rods and rocker assemblies have been replaced. I have all new lifters. I didn't soak lifters or pre-oil them, but used plenty of assembly lube on both ends.
(Comp Cam matched lifters, but did not replace cam. Also, did not replace timing chain, etc. Heads were inspected and new valve guides installed, etc.).

Followed basic rocker adjustment procedures: TDC, tighten #1 until rod "drags", then 1/2 turn more. While in this position, adjusted #2,5&7 int and 3,4&8 exh.
Then turned 360 and adjusted #3,4,6&8 int and #2,5,6&7 exh.
Started engine (woohoo) but had some clatter, so tried to adjust it out with engine running. (I have read earlier posts in this forum from Denny W, techinspector, dave s and others, but now I'm really confused.)
The #5 exh rocker seems really loose and will not tighten with engine running.
I have adjusted this thing repeatedly... walked away a half dozen times to keep from blowing it up... very frustrating... been at it for a week and need advice (or a shrink!)
(I'm much too old for this kind of stress!!!!!) LOL