Had a bit more time to further tear things down. Popped the intake off and pulled the problem lifter set out. Can't see anything out of the ordinary with it externally, but I don't have a set of snap ring pliers to take the lifter apart. I lost the original lash measurements, so I measured the adjuster in relation to the rocker to get an idea the variation between all of them. Came out with these numbers:

8E: .711"
8I: .696" <----Problem lifter
6I: .718"
6E: .698"
4E: .731"
4I: .697"
2I: .705"
2E: .702"

Are variations in lash like this acceptable? The problem hole is the lowest, but only by .001" from two other lifters that have never done this. I'm going to assume I should put it back together and get proper measurements before deciding what to next. I liked the idea of converting over to solid, but I just don't have $1k to drop on lifters right now.


I didn't put this motor together either. So far I've been into it for a blown head gasket, worn bronze cam gear and this.