You have to be at TDC on the compression stroke. There are two possible times the TL mark will line up, but only one of them is the compression stroke.
Very strange. You didn't have the cam chain off?It didn't matter if it was compression or exhaust stroke TDC didn't give me any slack on the valves. About mid exhaust stroke when the exhaust valves were fully open, the intake rocker arm was slack. Same with the intake stroke midway the exhaust valves were slack. Its just baffleing me. I would think they should be slack except when they should be open. I adjusted them @ the point they were the most slack. Maybe I'll do the right side the same way when I get the head on there if that side behaves the same way. Then check again when I retorque the head bolts after it runs for a short while. I think I fudged on the earlier post, I did have a spot on the compression stroke where both rocker arms were slack but it was well before TL. It was just easier to rotate until I saw the opposite valves open fully then adjust.
I looked on partsfish, the push rods are the same number.
Okay I think this is the same problem I had. First line up the timing marks as they should be then grab the rocker with your hand and pull it up. They will move up then the feeler gauge will go right in.
Thought I was doing that, but Saturday I'll make sure that's what I do. Thanks.