How do hydraulic flat tappet lifters fail?

furrystump said
What does the crank surface look like?

I believe the journals will need to be polished. (In fact, I'm going to have them polished regardless.) I'll post some pics in a bit, but I can just barely see some very light scoring on the surface. I can feel grooves just a couple thousandths deep with my fingernail.

RustyRatRod said
That bearing also looks oil starved. What did you use for assembly lube and how much did you use?

Just a quick squirt o' WD40 and called it good...why do you ask?

I'm kidding. I used the Sta Lube moly assembly lube. On the bearings, I smeared maybe a 1/32" or 1/16" layer with a gloved hand, but I knew a lot would squeeze out. For my education, can I ask what indicators you're seeing that make it look oil starved?