Please explain the correct way to set valves for a 440.  Hydralic lifters  

I thought that you tighten down until you can't turn the pushrod any more then turn an additional 1/2 turn.  keep in mind this is newly built motor no oil in lifters.  An experienced person told me to feel for no turn in the pushrod and backoff 3/4 of a turn.  this confused me because everything i've read said to tighten.  will someone please explain. thanks  

I guess you have replaced the shaft-mount, non adjustable rockers with adjustable pieces. I adjust the adjuster down with one hand, while spinning the push rod with my pointer finger and thumb of the other hand. Spin the push rod while adjusting the rocker until you "feel" the pushrod has slight resistance. Then give it another 1/2 turn.  

yeah i replaced with cat steel shaft adjustable.  guy on phone said to back off though after the pushrod stopped moving, but that didn't sound right.  I may have not heard him right though.  

He may have thought that you bottomed the lifter out since "it quit turning".