I'm reassembling an old inline-4 flathead engine... the kind with valves in the block (not the head). I did not disassemble it; I got a huge pile of parts I'm trying to turn back into an engine.
The lifters have buttons on the "cam side", which means the lifters must be installed prior to the cam. However with the lifters and cam in, inserting the valve springs is more difficult.
What sequence is required to assemble it? Can I install the valve springs then lifters then cam? (that would make it easier to install the valve springs). Or will installing the valve springs and lifters make it impossible for the cam to go in? The middle and back cam bearings are larger than the cam lobes, obviously, so I'm concerned they wouldn't be able to get past a valve that is shut.