inspecting lifters-

Just got my heads off and I was going to pull the lifters and put them in a bag.

Before I do that, does it matter where they go back or can I just dump them all together and put them back in no specific location?

Also, what do I look for in checking the condition of the lifters?

Above all else you need to keep them clean, lifters are the tightest tolerance part in a motor and even cotton lint can cause a plunger to stick.

You should check the rollers to make sure they spin freely, look for flat spotting or other roller damage, the body may show a little streaking, but that is ok.

If they have a lot of dark brown oil varnish on them you might consider replacement - but that's usually only on high mileage motors.

that sucks- I pulled them all with some filthy hands....

If you're pretty good with small parts you can take them apart and clean them - if the rollers and needle bearings are in good condition I always take the lifters apart and clean them up if it's for my own project to save a couple bills.

Carefully pick out the clip retainer

Take the internals out keeping track of their order, it should be from the top down - Push rod cup, metering plate, plunger body w/ball bearing and cage, spring.

Clean all the parts in solvent or mineral spirits,etc and blow dry - don't use rags.

Reassemble with light oil on the parts, as you drop the plunger with the ball bearing in the bottom down into the lifter you will need to depress the bearing with a pick to release the air trapped beneath it so it can fully drop into the lifter body.

Roller lifters are expensive, and in most cases re-usable so cleaning them up is worth the time.

I only touched the top to pull them out, but I did set them against the inside of the head right by the spot they go in. Let me know if dirt can get in from the top.

I will likely just buy new ones for an engine build.

I just wanted to inspect for any potential causes or damages due to the oiling issues in my car.

It's the main bearings I'm after so I have to get the engine out. I would also like to check the cam bearings, but I really don't see how I'd get in there to check that.

lifters arent that damn finickey. yes, keep them to the cam lobe they were on though. wear patterns are inherent and if at all possible keep them where thy were. as far as inspecting... here's what i do... put the lifters in a socket that is snug (i think its 11/16 deep well w/o actually checking. i lock the socket in the vise on my drill press, then put an old pushrod into the drill chuck. put a lil oil in the cup of the lifter and "press" down into it with the rod. if it takes oil... yaayyyyyyyy.