Installing CAMS--hydraulic lifters too stiff?

[nissan_s14]

Hey all, I am re-installing the camshafts and adding Tomei Rocker arm stoppers to the head of my SR20DET s13 blacktop. When I tested the hydraulic lifters before adding the camshafts, they had more than 1mm play. As a result, I followed the FSM and removed all the air using a tupperware full of oil. The lifters now do not move at all (at least not with my bare hands). I positioned the exhaust (left) camshaft at the 12 o clock position, but it will not "seat" fully. The camshaft brackets are positioned too high and wont seat completely over the bolt holes (bolts will barely thread in). Same goes for the intake (right) camshaft...sits too high. What do I do? Do i position the cam brackets and then just follow the FSM in the bolting sequence and torque values, allowing the bolts to "seat" the camshaft? Do I rotate the camshaft in a different position besides the 12oclock and then bolt? Are my hydraulic lifters just too stiff? Should I try to get some air back in em?

sorry for the long post!

edit: looked at past posts and the sr.hyrbids install page, but couldnt answer my question

[SWIFT_DRIFT]

Did you set your motor to TDC before you removed your cams?

[nissan_s14]

Yup..!I'm thinking maybe I just bolt down the cam brackets and that should push the rocker arms down enough for the camshaft to slide in place?

[float_6969]

yea, that is what you have to do. I did it like that on my KA24DE every time I've replaced a timing chain and I never had a problem. Just make sure you have the timing right. Bent valves can ruin your day...