[T2] hydraulic lifter bleeding

[Jamie]

I have new hydraulic lifters in a new engine.. and I can't seem to get any 
oil in them ..
In the past , I imersed them in oil, poked the check ball... reassembled, 
and they would be rock hard, pumped up.

I really don't like the idea of trying to start the engine and let the oil 
pump fill them... as the rockers have over 15mm lash with no oil in them..

these ones will not compress any where near enough to get a pin thru the 
hole...
totally dry, spring removed from the inside,, and the interior is taller 
than the location of the hole

they look just like these lifters...
http://images47.fotki.com/v1402/photos/5/545581/6976061/IMG_5289-vi.jpg
http://images47.fotki.com/v1399/photos/5/545581/6976061/IMG_5310-vi.jpg

and they overall seem to be about 5mm longer thant the OEM lifter..

any ideas?

Jamie