So I've got all WB 202 lifters out of the engine and my mechanic mate is telling me that they are likely to be old and hard so I should replace them. Thing is I've read that being hydraulic they should be hard and if soft then they could be shagged.

I had to buy one new one and it's so soft (no oil so no pump) I can depress with my finger tip. The ones that are in the car won't squash when I'm leaning right over them with a phillips

So hard or soft..ish? which is correct

Ta