You should not have any lash with a hydraulic lifter. They run no lash. Lash is essentially space between the rocker arm and valve tip. Only solid cams have to run lash. Hydraulic lifters do have preload and should be approx. .030-.050"
Sounds like your lifters are dry. I remember in your pm you said they were clattering. That's probably why you have lash which is what the clattering is from. Do you have an oil pressure gauge on the car to make sure it has oil pressure?
