Hydraulic cam followers

[rah rah 986]

So is it accurate to say that a properly functioning lifter can be pumped by hand, allowing oil to pass in and out?

Is it normal for the lifter to pump to a state of being solid once it has filled with oil?

And, if after being out of an engine for several months would a healthy lifter be solid, or would it be soft, enabling it to be pumped by hand?

I read posts that refer to lifters "draining down". I interpret that to me that in an idle state, the lifter drains of the oil that had filled it while in operation....the engine running. Is it normal for the lifter to drain down, or should it retain the oil, keeping it rigid?

Sorry about all the questions...I know some seem redundant. But, with my engine apart and ready to reassemble, I am concerned about understanding how to to best evaluate the condition of my lifters. I have picked up bits and pieces of information, but, nothing that really summarizes just what to be looking for in the behavior of a healthy lifter....or, an unhealthy lifter.

Thanks