I'm not sure you are getting it. Forget the sponginess of the lifter. Reread Mopers #13 post. zero lash is when the plunger is at the top of the lifter body pressed against the retaining clip.
yep, with the pushrod resting in the 'cup' of the lifter tighten the adjuster 'til the rocker arm just pinches the pushrod and it won't spin freely between finger and thumb. then 1/2 to 3/4 turn to preload the lifter.
neil.
