In really tough situations I have clamped vice grips on them and kept turning them back and forth while putting upward pressure on the lifter to twist it out of the bore. Lots of something like WD40 , penetrating oil, or carb cleaner helps too. The vice grips with the curved jaws seem best for this job IMO. Obviously, the lifter is junk once you clamp down on it, but you wouldn't want to reuse ones that old anyway.

Don