Thank you, Walrus3, and to the other Brickboarders who answered my question.

I did use both the words 'lifter' and 'follower' in my post, sorry for the confusion.

I mean the 'lifter' that the pushrod rests in.

It is a relief to learn that I won't have to resort to pulling the oil-pan to fish out the lifter.

Having never worked on an OHV engine and being short on time to do it, I was really worried by this lifter incident.

I will check again to see if I can, with the cylinder-head still on, put the displaced lifter back in where it belongs.

I ideally would like to still be able to move the car around a bit until I have found working-space to change the headgasket.


Many, many thanks again to all.