I am in the in process of rebuilding my small block 350. After torquing down rocker arms, I have one rocker that seems to be very loose. It appears the push rod is short, however the lifter sems to be collapsed. The engine has not been fired, or oil circulated thru engine. Do I take a chance and fill with oil and crank it over or should I take the intake backoff and replace the lifter. All parts were new when installing.

 

Yes fill it with oil and prime it. You"ll never know more until you try it. No point in doing more than you need too..right now.

Use the starter OR pull the distributor and use a drill (in reverse)to primer it. I believe its a 5/16 size socket. If you do this, tape the socket on so it won't fall in the crank case.

 

Hydraulic lifter is empty.. Will pump up when motor starts

-Richard