Better hot or cold ?

[Bear95]

I need advice, Is it better to adjust the valve lash with the engine hot or cold?
Thanks,
Bear

[jtgh]

set it cold and forget it,
but if its -40c out side, you might want to get it up to room temp
first.
cuz cold means , North Pole , all the way to Death valley CA.
quite a range.
the head when hot can be 300 degress F. not too comfortable.

[Bear95]

Thanks jtgh for the answer. I have a 96 16v and have read that a special tool ( part # 09917-18210) is required to adjust the the lash. Do you know if it is really needed and what does it do?
Also, do you set the lash between the adj screw and the valve or between the cam and rocker arm.
Thanks
Bear