How can you tell if a hydraulic lifter is bad?I have the intake off.When I adjusted the valves I noticed that a couple of them "lifters"compressed very easy.I'd like to do something before I put the intake on.Any would be appreciated.
railguy

 

What motor do you have and what valve train setup is on it?

 

If they push all the way down, not a good sign. The engine will probably be running pretty rough if this is the case. You can pull the lifter, soak it in a cup of oil pushing up/down on the plunger to see if it will pump up. If not, lifters come apart pretty easy for clean up, and may just be plugged oil holes. Worth a shot.

 

As cheap as lifters and push rods are since you have the intake off and there is a question just replace all of them. You'll be saving yourself future aggravation for hopefully a long time.

 

It's a 350 with roller rockers which are adjustable.Not the one that just tighten down.Hydraulic lifters.
railguy

 

Maybe I'm off here but aren't the rocker arms adjusted for zero lash or just touching with both valves closed? Why is the pressure being put on the lifter to collapse it while adjusting to begin with? The lifters can be easily compressed with little or no oil in them after they leak down.

 

The lifter will collapse a bit while you are adjusting them. Are you adjusting them with the EIOC method, or with the motor running? Are you following the rocker arm manufacturers spec? Most are 1/2 turn from 0 lash, some have gone as high as 1 1/2, depending on cam and spring tension.

 

I,m adjusting them with the engine off.I'm thinking they are bleed down as I have turned the engine over quit a few times seance it's been torn down I'm weighting on the intake to get back from the machine shop now.pretty ,sure they'er alright.
railguy