Bad Lifter Symptoms...

[elevenssc]

Just curious if there is a tell-tale sign that a lifter may be going bad.

I was getting a definate lifter "tick" from either #1 or #3 at idle show up out of the blue.  I re-set ignition timing (I think I was too advanced) and the tick went away...engine ran great.  Started it today (no change) and it feels like something is missing, like a cylinder is definately down on power. 

Just want to tap into the knowledge here...

Thanks

[Chryco Psycho]

if you can depress the pushrod side of the rocker right after it has been running the lifter is not holding pressure

[elevenssc]

Would a weak lifter cause the cylinder to be down on power even if there is no audible "tick"?

[Chryco Psycho]

possibly if the lifter basicall held no pressure