At a minimum check the adjustment one more time. It is common for the push rod to not get seated in the socket correctly and when it slips in there will be excessive slack. It can also happen that the lifter will separate when the retaining clip get pounded out from improper adjustment. Then you get some extra parts floating around the engine. On a real bad day the top piston will jam in tat slot in the lifter bore and get struck by the lifter as the cam pushes on it. That's the end of that engine. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of John Rodgers
Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2015 5:18 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Valve lifter

I've tried the speed run over time and distance. Just doesn't pump up.
Loud as ever!

John

On 3/8/2015 4:07 PM, Stuart MacMillan wrote:
> It never stops tapping loudly!  I have one that takes 20 to 30 minutes, sometimes more, at 50-60 mph to stop tapping, it eventually does.  It's best to run it at high rpm right away because it's a bit easier on the cam. The lifter "floats" a bit and doesn't hit the cam lobe so hard.
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of John Rodgers
> Sent: Friday, March 06, 2015 5:02 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Valve lifter
>
> How would one positively identitfy a lifter that refuses to pump up?
>
> I have a bad one and need to replace it.
>
> John
>