Collapsed or broken lifter, but can't get ANY of the lifters out of their bore

I would suspect the hydraulic lifter has collapsed. It may be clogged or just defective. I would try a can can of Berryman's B12 Chemtool in the oil (add cold) and then drive the truck for 10 miles ands change the oil, if the noise persists have the dealer check the issue to confirm the lifter is the problem.

Most engines now use hydraulic lifters and they can leak a little, this causes space between then lifter and the push rod. This results in a tapping noise that goes away when they get warm or fill back up.

The repair depends on the exact cause. Typically one of two things happens.

A lifter fails to "pump up" and looses pressure. Sometimes oil system cleaners can help this.

The other thing that happens is wear realted, called a collapsed lifter, this issue requires replacement of the camshaft and all lifters. I recommend against replacing only a collapsed lifter, as the cam lobe usually gets damaged, as the two parts are hardened and wear against one another (cam and lifter).

It is always possible to have a rocker arm come loose. The only way to know for sure is exploritory surgery.

collapsed lifters are definately a possibility, what usually happens is the oil filter gets sucked in and restrics oil flow to the top end... change you filter, make sure the fluid it full, and see if that makes your vehicle sound any better.

Um, what does bad mean, exactly? If the lifter collapsed, the camshaft and lifters need to be replaced. If the lifter will not pump up, you could replace just the one lifter.

Please don't forget to rate!!!!

2.2L Engine When installing new lifters, a pre-lube should always be applied to the lifter body. It is also a good idea to prime hydraulic lifters by submerging them in clean engine oil and depressing the plunger using an old pushrod. This allows the internal components of the hydraulic lifter to coat with oil before initial operation in the engine. All lifters should be replaced when a new camshaft is installed.
If any valve train components (lifters, pushrods, rocker arms) are to be reused, they must be tagged or arranged during removal to assure installation in their original locations.

1. Remove the rocker arm cover.
   
2. Remove the cylinder head assembly from the engine.
   
3. Remove the bolts retaining the lifter anti-rotation brackets, then remove the brackets.
   
4. Remove the hydraulic roller lifters from the bores.
   
5. Inspect the lifter and lifter bore for wear and scuffing. Examine the roller for freedom of movement and/or flat spots on the roller surface.
   

Remove the bolts retaining the lifter anti-rotation brackets ...



... then remove the anti-rotation brackets



The lifters are located in bores in the engine block



Use a lifter removal tool to remove the lifters from the bore

To install:
If installing a new lifter, coat the lifter body with a suitable camshaft pre-lube

1. Install each hydraulic lifter to its bore being careful to align the flat sides (top) of the lifters with the flat sides of the anti-rotation brackets. When properly installed the flat sides of each lifter are aligned parallel to the anti-rotation bracket. The roller at the bottom of the lifter is parallel to the camshaft lobe.
   

Make sure to properly align and install each lifter as improper installation of the lifters or brackets could result in engine damage.

1. Install the anti-rotation bracket retaining bolts and tighten to 97 inch lbs. (11 Nm).
   
2. Install the cylinder head.
   
3. Install the rocker arm cover.
   

Removing the hydraulic roller lifter from the 2.2L engine

You may have a collapsed lifter or it may just be normal if the engine has not been started up yet. If you are installing old lifters (or did not remove lifters for whatever repair you were performing) there may be debris/varnish on the lifter preventing it from returning under spring pressure. (In which case you should probably replace it.) Some new lifters are very soft before the engine is started and the lifter has had a chance to "Pump Up".

collapsed lifter making valve tappet tick most likely(buy seafoam from walmart may temporaly fix)! :)

What motor do you have? The V8, you can remove just the intake manifold and the valve covers/rocker arms to remove the lifter. The V6, I believe you need to remove the head to access the lifters.

if it is higher mileage i would replace all of them since you are already tore down to replace one. it is not a common problem.You could replace the one and never have another problem just never know.