How do hydraulic flat tappet lifters fail?

It’s refreshing to see someone taking the time to repair things correctly. Well done. It will reward you in the future.
Thanks. The way I see it, why ask for advice if you’re not going to follow it?

I’m also trying to see the silver lining here, since I’ve been wanting to paint the water pump and clean up some other things. I also found the source of my exhaust leaks in the process, so I think it was a good decision all around to pull the motor.