It`s possible you could have some bad new lifters. You do know that the exhaust and intake rockers are different. They can get them mixed up easily. Rockers are normally somewhat loose on the shaft. If you think they are worn bad, get one new one and compare to see. BTW, i never pump up the lifters prior to installation. I just quickly dip them in oil and put the break in lube on the base. Never had a issue. Also what did the bottoms of the old lifters look like? Worn?