[Vwdiesel] Hydraulic Lifter Question

[David Hardy]

I just put the head back on my '89 Jetta NA, and can't seem to get it started.
The lifters don't seem to be pumped up at all - there is a good 1/8'' or more
between the lifter and bottom of the cam (cam lobe up), and I can depress the
lifter easily with my finger. Is this normal ? Should the engine start with
them like this, and if not, how does one pump them up?

-David