Mitsubishi Repair: 95 eclipse/ engine/lifters, engine lifters, valve dohc

Question
BOUGHT AN ECLIPSE (95) MODEL.16 VALVE DOHC..HAS LIFTERS RATTLING..TOOK EXISTING LIFTERS OUT AND BLEW THROUGH THEM WITH AIR HOSE TO CLEAR OIL HOLES..INSERTED SAME LIFTERS LOADED WITH OIL BACK INTO ENGINE AND TRIED IT! ENGINE WILL BARELY RUN NOW..WHY? IS THERE A CERTAIN WAY TO FACE THE LIFTERS?..I PLAN ON GETTING NEW LIFTERS SOON TO REPLACE THESE OLD ONES..DIDN'T MOVE TIMING BELT SO WHATS THE BEST SOLUTION!  

Answer
Calvin,
There is no specific way you need to face the lifters when you put them back in.  They will self-adjust as you run the engine.  When you clean them, you should soak them in carb cleaner to desolve and flush out any hardened particles.  The air hose may help remove already loose particles, but won't remove what's stuck in there.

If you're planning on replacing the lifters, I'd recommend getting 3rd gen Eclipse ('00-'05) lifters. They are the same size, but have larger oil passages in them to increase oil flow and prevent lifter noise.
Good luck!