As stated by others make sure you keep the lifters in order when you remove them, they have a wear pattern from the lobe they ride on and mixing them up could be the death of the cam. I find an egg carton works great for keeping them in order, I number the carton holes from 1-12 and pull the lifters from front to back. After the lifters are pulled I put the carton in a safe area where I know I wont knock it over.
I'm with Dave, my moneys on the gear was starving for oil...
Mike B
