617 Valve Adjustment for Dummies

[bnzpwr]

Hey everyone ok so its time to do my first valve adjustment on my 85 300sd. Its been a looooong time since theyve been adjusted, at least 90,000 mi since iv had the car and iv only recently realized how important this is. the car has been smoking like black/grey like whoaaaaa lately so i hope this fixes it...

Iv read through the archives and I had a few questions in piecing all of this together:

Tools- I understand the Hazet tools make the job much easier. However if i have an extra set of hands on the job, would using standard wrenches be ok? Could somebody clarify the "screw driver jamming" technique used instead of the third wrench?

-When it comes to actually adjusting the valves, how tight am i supposed to tighten the adjusting valve and locking nut together?


-When it comes to replacing the valve cover, how tight am i supposed to torque it down? What is the correct procedure for this? Order?

Can either of these be "played by ear"? Any last min advice for a new kid on the block?