What is the proper procedure for preparing hydraulic lifters (flat tappet) for final installation? Some engine builder web sites say to
never pre-soak or pump them up, yet the camshaft installation piece I received from Comp Cams states that it is acceptable to soak them. Any comments or clarification would be appreciated.
Thanks

No soak needed.

We've always put them in a clean large coffee can full of oil and let'em soak,never had any problems this way.

Dont pump the up or cause the lifters to be filled with oil prior to installation. This will provide a benefit in the most critical window of time (initial startup - break in) where the maximum spring pressure will not be seen by the lobe/lifter interface because the the collapsed lifter is only partialy compressing the valve spring untill the running engine gradually pumps up the lifters. But more importantly, there is a good chance you will be holding valves open and wont be able to start quickly or worse (piston valve contact, coil bind).

Most cam and lifter companies do not recommend presoaking. In fact advise against it.

I never have presoaked and I have had zero problems.

I dont consider them to be porous to where soaking them would be of benefit & the old caveat I remember was not to pump them full of oil via the side hole w your oil can. I would want the lifter bottom clean so I can goop it with cam lube and I put the lifter in then raise it up & goop the bottom to avoid any possibility of cam lube getting on the sides which might keep the lifter from rotating which is critical and during mockup w the lifter and it's bore clean & lightly lubed w WD40 I raise each lifter up off of the lobe & let go & it should fall onto the lobe w a "thunk" & if not the lifter bore clearance is too tight & needs to be honed so that the lifter can easily rotate which is critical along w proper breakin oil/aditives and taking out the inner spring (for the breakin)

Does anyone recommend taking apart the lifters for examination purposes?

Ive always soaked mine.In 40 years never a problem.As for bending parts a solid lifter is stiffer than a hyd is.Rocky

I never made since out of not soaking them cause they will be introduce to oil any how. And my dad has been building engines for forty years and 20 myself and have always soaked them overnight. Never had any problems.

To soak or not to soak!!....That is the question. I say it doesnt matter either way...As soon as you start cranking the engine the lifters start priming themselves...And if you get bent parts then you have other issues. Nowadays most guys prime engines with a drill before startup anyway...so the lifters are primed.....Just make sure all contact areas are well lubed and you use breakin paste.