During the life span of the XKE were all of the 6 cylinders engines use solid or hydraulic valve lifters ?

 

Technically neither. There is a shim on top of the valve stem and a inverted bucket on top of that. The cam pushes on the bucket. The valve clearance is adjusted by the thickness of the shim. This is how all XK engines are , 1948 to 1992.

 

Thanks Bob. Always wondered.