I pulled off my my rockers to reveal a very worn lobe and rocker. I replaced the cam and rockers from my old engine and I still have a loud tapping noise.
My question is: how do know if a lifter is bad or needs to be replaced? I was told that if you turn the lifter upside down it drains and is no longer good. I noticed some of the lifters have verticle play when in the rocker but not mounted to the head. Is this normal?
I would appreciate any help before I buy a new cam, rockers, and lifters.

Thanks,
Jim