Valve adjustment -- Important information

[JimmyL]

Hi, my name is Jimmy, and sometimes I'm stupid!

(all together) "Hi Jimmy".......

When I do something stupid, I try to pass on the info to my fellow knot-heads. Some folks don't like to point out their snafu's, but it doesn't bother me really.
Well, my previous valve adjustments have been on an '80 300TD, and an '85 300TD. No worries on the process, I just take my time, and also clean everything I touch along with whatever is next to it.
Since I haven't had The Squash for very long, of course a valve adjustment is called for. So, I had to figure out how I was going to turn the motor. My mechanic says to use power steering pulley and don't worry about it. OK, I tried and it slipped. So, I loosened the pump and tensioned the belt very tight with the intent of loosening it when done. Well, it still slipped and wouldn't spin the engine.
OK, so I loosen fan shroud, remove radiator fan, then with much effort pull out fan shroud so I can get to the 27mm crank bolt. (I don't like to spin starter during this).
Well, I'm trying to spin motor with crank bolt, and it won't turn it either. Then I notice the car rocked slightly!
Ahhhhh
YOU MUST PUT A MANUAL TRANNY CAR IN NEUTRAL!! DUH!!!!!
I had not adjusted the valves on anything that wasn't automatic before, and never thought about it prior to my revelation.

Learn from my stupidity. I did......

BTW, all valves were very tight.

I also loosened back the power steering belt.