In general, hydraulic lash adjusters are rather durable and do not require much attention to be paid to them. A noisy adjuster can be checked while the engine is running by putting a section of hose or tubing in contact with each intake or exhaust adjuster and listening to what is at the other end. As for the other ideas, touching each of the valve spring retainers with the finger, after the rocker cover has been unbolted, would lead to the feel of a bad adjuster through the shock as the valve seats down. If so, noise may be due with dirt got between the plunger and adjuster body when adjustments are correct. To get rid of the adjusters you have to eliminate the intake manifold with the valve cover and then, with the help of a lift rod pusher, you can pull each push rod out of the cylinder block. Where possible a special tool can be used to pull out the adjusters or a sharp scribe can be used to force up the adjusters instead using pliers on the adjuster body. Often, stuck adjusters can be released through the use of carb cleaner around the body of the adjuster and gently pumping the adjuster. It is also essential to store and label all the adjusters such that reinstallation of each adjuster is not mixed up with another. Once each of the adjusters is cleaned, one should look for either nicks or gauges, and if either of the two is present then replacement is required. The bottom contacting camshaft should be inspected for scratches as well as nicks and adjusters which should be replaced in case they show convexity due to wear. On the installation of the adjusters proper care must be taken in that they must be well covered with 'Molykote' or any equivalent product if the original adjusters are to be used again, they must be fitted to proper bore. Finally, replace all the valve parts and the covers, the valve cover, and the intake manifold.
