collapsed tappet?

[Rozzo]

hi
2.0 CU engine
can anyone tell me wether its normal to be able to push the pushrod end of one of my rockers in half an inch by finger pressure? i reckon the tappet may have collapsed but not too sure. the valve is sitting level with all the others so not valve seat dropped thats created the "gap".(compressions are all 150 psi) makes me wonder if this is the terminal sounding clatter i can hear.
i guess i'll tek the tube out and have a look before changing the engine. does anyone have any spare hyd tappets for a cu i can buy? or should i just take one out of the spare engine to test it?
cheers
rozzo

[VWCamperfan]

It's normal if the hudraulic follower hasn't pressurised. All you are pushing against is the spring in the follower which doesn't take much when theres no pressure in there.