# Lifter function? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [October 13, 2025, 7:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lifter-function/204248 "2025-10-13T19:44:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cavell](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cavell/32/43396_2.png) [@Cavell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cavell)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2025, 7:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lifter-function/204248/1 "2025-10-13T19:44:36Z")
I have a car with top end noise. Cam in block, pushrod, ohv rocker arm design. Not a tap but more like a light rattle. I removed the hyd lifters and noticed I could push plunger down with my finger and oil squirted out side oil port on 2 of the lifters. The other lifters were pumped up and I could not compress plungers. Car was run yesterday so it had not been sitting days/weeks. Is this typical lifter action or does this point to the 2 lifters having issues? ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2025, 7:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lifter-function/204248/2 "2025-10-13T19:55:54Z")
To check for a bad lifter, you can remove the valve cover and wiggle the rocker arms; if you feel play or sponginess in a lifter, it may be bad. Additionally, you can soak the lifter in oil and try to push the plunger down; if it moves easily, the lifter is likely defective. Tester ---
**Author:** ![Cavell](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cavell/32/43396_2.png) [@Cavell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cavell)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2025, 12:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lifter-function/204248/3 "2025-10-15T12:41:22Z")
I replaced lifters and motor is quiet now. Always something.