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It can happen. That is my #1 worry when I install a head. I have two wooden blocks to support the head while I make sure the pushrods are located in the lifters. Then I set the head down and make sure the pushrod is located in the rockers. I use the four outer head bolts to secure it and CAREFULLY turn the motor over with the drive side crank nut and a 1/2" ratchet. At this point I turn the radio off so I can hear anything that isn't right. And CAREFULLY feel for any resistance while turning it over...like two valves touching. This is difficult to determine because of valve spring pressure. At this point I also try to set valve lash at about .010. Now, cross your fingers and turn the motor over very slowly while watching the rockers and feeling for resistance. It takes very little turning pressure to bend a valve. In that case a loud SNAP will let you know that everything just went south. It often takes the guide with it...Next problem....the guide is then bell mouthed and difficult to remove.

<blockquote data-quote="seattle##gs" data-source="post: 681532" data-attributes="member: 7043"><p>It can happen.&nbsp; That is my #1 worry when I install a head.&nbsp; I have two wooden blocks to support the head while I make sure the pushrods are located in the lifters.&nbsp; Then I set the head down and make sure the pushrod is located in the rockers.&nbsp; I use the four outer head bolts to secure it and CAREFULLY turn the motor over with the drive side crank nut and a 1/2&quot; ratchet.&nbsp; At this point I turn the radio off so I can hear anything that isn&#039;t right.&nbsp; And CAREFULLY feel for any resistance while turning it over...like two valves touching.&nbsp; This is difficult to determine because of valve spring pressure.&nbsp; At this point I also try to set valve lash at about .010.&nbsp; Now, cross your fingers and turn the motor over very slowly while watching the rockers and feeling for resistance.&nbsp;&nbsp; It takes very little turning pressure to bend a valve.&nbsp; In that case a loud SNAP will let you know that everything just went south.&nbsp; It often takes the guide with it...Next problem....the guide is then bell mouthed and difficult to remove.</p></blockquote><p></p>

[QUOTE="seattle##gs, post: 681532, member: 7043"] It can happen. That is my #1 worry when I install a head. I have two wooden blocks to support the head while I make sure the pushrods are located in the lifters. Then I set the head down and make sure the pushrod is located in the rockers. I use the four outer head bolts to secure it and CAREFULLY turn the motor over with the drive side crank nut and a 1/2" ratchet. At this point I turn the radio off so I can hear anything that isn't right. And CAREFULLY feel for any resistance while turning it over...like two valves touching. This is difficult to determine because of valve spring pressure. At this point I also try to set valve lash at about .010. Now, cross your fingers and turn the motor over very slowly while watching the rockers and feeling for resistance. It takes very little turning pressure to bend a valve. In that case a loud SNAP will let you know that everything just went south. It often takes the guide with it...Next problem....the guide is then bell mouthed and difficult to remove. [/QUOTE]