I have some NOS lifters that have rust on the outer body from sitting in wet boxes. Took a couple apart and there is no internal rusting. Tried cleaning with 0000 steel wool and after the rust comes off the finish is pitted on the worst one, and has lost the mirror-like finish on the best one. Would any still be useable? John
minor rust pits/stains on the sides are not super critical.... on the foot is....and the cup that holds the push rod is...... if the foot is not rusted at all...and the cup is not,,, you could use them... they will not rust anymore once they are in the engine and coated with oil..... the strain on a lifter is the foot and the cup... and the internals.... the outer surface is a wide , well lubricated area that does not have much pressure on it....
