So here's today's problem - cylinder #10 has a collapsed lifter.
Oh dear, what a b#*(/*£! - looks like a head off job - or is it!!!!!

My query is, can I replace this lifter without removing the cylinder head?
Sounds like a crazy question given its location but bear with me for a bit......

A couple if years ago I fitted gen3 heads and used Cometic mls head gaskets.
Whilst looking for a replacement head gasket I noticed vendors advertise the following point:-

“All of our Head Gasket designs have been altered to allow the removal of your Lifters without the need for removing your heads. This is an extremely important feature for cars running aggressive profiles and high spring pressures. The ability to replace lifters without head removal is worth over 10 hours of labor and $300 in gaskets for each occurance of head removal this feature saves you. Included at NO COST."

"Very interesting" me thinks - this could save a whole lotta time and trouble but HOW?

Has anyone ever replaced lifters with heads still fitted? Achieved it? Or tried it and failed?
What experience have you got with lifters, good or bad?

So, back to #10 cylinder - when I removed the rocker cover I found the collapsed lifter had allowed the pushrod to work free - minimal resulting damage to see at this stage (having not yet started any major engine disassembly) although one broken component is the lifter yoke, see photo (the yoke half retaining lifter #10 has broken away) - I feel this is a result of the pushrods 'exodus' not a cause - not having a joke there could also be to my advantage, for the moment, we'll see.



The next photo is of the top of cylinder #8 - you can see the half of yoke (and retaining bolt) are still fitted - this lifter is also working fine.



So there we have it.
Any wonderful words of wisdom gratefully received.

Ade