Question : Set Valve Lash

[Braddock]

I get clicking when i try it one way, and backfiring the other.

So here is what its like. I have my haynes book. It says turn till you feel slight drag, and then give 3/4 turn on a some of them while 1 is tdc, and others at 4 tdc. I do that. And i get clicking and it doesnt even deliver fuel and air to some of the cylinders till the car is warmed up. if i try it my own way, and tighten them a little more, say 1 full turn. All 6 cylinders work, but i get backfiring.
What is a good way to set good valve lash? this is the 1986 LE2 2.8 carbureted with 123456 firing order.

[55trucker]

The method is....with #1 cylinder in the firing position (top dead)....you can adjust the following..both #1 valves plus...Exhaust for #2 & #3....Intake for #5 & #6......then rotate the engine so # 4 (#1's partner) comes up to firing position (top dead). You can now adjust both of #4's valves plus Exhaust for #5 & #6...Intake for #2 & #3. The proper setting (via the GM manual) is...back off the adjustment until lash is loose...now tighten adjusting nut so all lash is just disappears (you should be able to just spin the pushrod in your fingers), now tighten down adjusting nut a further 1 1/2 turns. Depending on the condition of your lifters you may have to *tweak* them to quieten them down. Are you getting a backfire out the exhaust or up the intake?