Just a short question:
supposing the engine has been run before, then how can I be sure that zero lash isn't already a bit further down than the fully expanded position of the lifter? In use, the lifter compresses a little bit and stays there. Do all hydraulic lifters have springs in them to decompress them as soon as the pressure exerted by the pushrod is gone?
How would I set the lifters in an engine that has been run, lifters full of oil, but I don't want the mess? Is that possible to do correctly without the engine running?