so here i am trrying to adjust my valves and when i do it the way everyone tells me i lose compression. i am doing the whole zero lash plus 1/2 turn am i doing something wrong? Please help.

I THINK THE EXPERT ON THIS SUBJECT IS  " LUCKY STUFF"..I AINT TOUCHING THIS SUBJECT

Ah Dave I know you know how 

SORRY MY ASS GOT CHEWED ON THIS DELIO

I think everyone has a little bit different way to do it. I did it with Terry last month on a BBC, and he did it differently than I ever did, but worked out great and very quick!  Comp Cams manual says a totally rediculous set of steps, and I found a few more engine specific (and complicated) ones on the internet to accomplish the same basic goal.

Goal is the same in all cases, make ABSOLUTELY sure the lifter to the valve you're about to adjust is on the cam base circle, it's that simple. It really isn't like launching a missile.  

Ray

PS, FWIW, if you're getting the valves adjusted somewhere even close to right and you're losing compression, I'd be thinking you're cam timing is WAYYYYY out......like shot timing set, or not timed correctly to begin with. Just my .02

what would be the best stupid people way to check the condition of the timing set?

thier cheap just pull the timing cover and put in a new set