You could take off a rocker and try to push down on the pushrod. You'd be able to feel the spring in a hydraulic lifter, but not on a solid lifter.
I guess that you are talking about a hydraulic lifter for an auto engine. There is no repair for these. They can be converted to "solid" lifters or used as paper weights.
Lifter is a noun.
The Chevelle... Especially if it has a solid lifter engine like the L78 396 or the LS6 454.
a car lifter or a motor lifter
Oh yes!!! There were two engine options for the 1970 Chevelle SS454. The LS5 was a mild, hydraulic lifter engine rated at 360 HP. The LS6 was a solid lifter fire breather rated at 450 HP.
Take a pushrod and push down on the plunger in the lifter. A hydraulic lifter is spring loaded.
Lifter Puller was created in 1994.
Lifter Puller ended in 2000.
L78 (solid lifter 375 HP 396) came with a Holley 780. All others had a Quadrajet.
If you a hydrolic lifter... Lifter is about $20 + plus labor 1-2 hours.
The cast of Lifter - 2010 includes: Bjorn Sommer as Lifter Ken Thelosen as Man