I installed new lifters in my ls2/ls3 top end and I am trying to understand why when I turn the engine over with the pushrods in they do not move the rockers.

 

Is the cam installed? Are the springs installed? Are you sure you have the correct length pushrods

 

cam is installed, heads came assembled. The push rods do not move at all while i turn the engine over. Is it possible that the lifters arent touching the cam even though they are seated in the lifter trays?

 

Possible, or maybe the pushrods are too short, or the
lifters' bleed rate is too fast for the hydraulic action to
keep them snug (though I'd expect that 300-400 mils
or so of lift ought to travel past that).

Heads came assembled, OK, but do you assume that
the rockers are properly adjusted, or are they shipped
loose?

 

I didnt soak the lifters in oil prior to installing. Could that cause them not to actuate the pushrods?

 

yes .

 

Take it back apart, soak the lifters, try again.

 

You will be ok, I have never soaked a lifter, I dip them and put them in.

There were no rockers installed is my guess and the lifters were still up in the trays.