The lifter on the one we were working on did bleed down when the pressure got low, replaced it a couple times and no difference.

Cab is right, fix what you know is wrong and go from there.

FYI full groove bearings do tend to cost a few PSI.

The ratio between crank and distributor is 2 to 1 so if your drill turns 500 RPM it is like the engine turning 1000 RPM. Also the cam lube may or may ont be getting through depending on where the cam is stopped when drill priming.

I am not causing global warming, I am just trying to hold off a impending Ice Age!