Our rebuilt 2.1 has about 10,000 mi. on it.  We've been getting alot a valve clatter on one lifter.  Figured it made sense to adjust all valves as a follow-up to the rebuild getting broken in.  As I tightened the adjustors, all but one got snug then I went 1 turn beyond. That one snugged very slightly then kept on screwing down. It seemed to bottom out just as the screw became level with the locknut.  I backed it out again to the same adjustment as the others and pushed on the rocker arm.  I was able to collapse the lifter very easily.  I'm assuming that I have a bad lifter.  I ordered a lifter and a "collapsable pushrod tube from The Bus Depot.  While I wait for delivery, I'm trying to figure out how serious this situation is.  I did adjust this lifter down to where it bottoms out, thinking that I might be able to treat it like a solid lifter.  For safety, I then backed it off 1/2 turn.  Started the engine and heard...nothing.  Well almost nothing, slight ticking presumably from my backing off 1/2 turn. Nothing like before though.  Question is, am I Ok driving like this? Should I set it back like the other valves and just let it keep ticking? Hydraulic lifters continue to be a bit of a mystery to me; I seek the collective wisdom of The List.  Thanks.

Gary

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