I used to think this too. Then I held some bent lifters in my hand a few
months ago. They were from a Vanagon with a diesel engine that had died
a sudden death. Water boxer lifters are hydraulic and the push rod is
the weak link as you pointed out. These diesel lifters were solid but
the design clearly anticipated a sacrificial role for the lifter in
deforming to prevent more serious damage.

Mark

Anthony Smola wrote:
>
> You cannot bend a lifter, but you can bend a pushrod. this of course is the
> link between the rocker arm and the lifter.
>
> A lifter is a billet piece of steel. It is also not the weakest link in the
> valve train. Lifters can go flat and you'll know this
>
> when you hear a clacking noise. They sell collapsable pushrod tubes and
> lifters go for approx 40-bucks.   good luck
>
> Malibu Tony
>
> 85 Westy 1.9 L