Hydraulic lifter replacement

HI all,

I appologize for the repeat of an earlier post but I am looking for some advice on lifter replacement.

I have what I believe to be a lifter that is leaking down, I have a rap at startup that lasts 5-10 seconds then fades away. It's speratic at startup, sometimes it's there and others it's not. Probably depends on whether or not the lifter is compressed when I stop the motor.

I've read the manual regarding testing the lifters when installed and when out of the car.

Any advice on how to quickly find the offending lifter? I've never done this before and I want to avoid multiple attempts. I've purchased three new lifters figuring better safe than sorry.

Also, any thoughts on removing the rocker arm? Seems as though there is a special tool I don't have.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Joel