On hydraulic lifters that are bad, the hydraulic part will compress easily sometimes to the point you can push it by hand. If the lifter is full of oil and holds hydraulic pressure well, it will not push by hand. Sometimes they can have some air in them after an overhaul that will hopefully bleed out as the engine is broken in. Failed VW lifters are typically worse at idle when there is little oil pressure. Lightweight oil can also be a factor. Not sure if that helps.
Tom Broring
Wash DC Region
ITA Nissan Sentra SER
HP Triumph Spitfire
HP VW Rabbit
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