hydraulic lifter failure?
 

How do I tell if a hydraulic lifter that I took out of my 289 after the pushrod was bent is the cause of the problem? When I try to push down on the piston it will not move. Is this normal? I took it apart and cleaned all the oil out and it moves freely then. I don't know enough about them to tell if it is bad or not. I am going to replace it and the pushrod and try again. Is there any thing else I should look for before putting it back together?

Replace?
 

For the cost involved on a hydraulic lifter, I would just replace it if there is a question. What ? $15?

Rev