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My '52 250 has been plagued with an ongoing very loud lifter noise. I stopped doing anything (everything?) when COVID hit. Now I am back at it.
I have isolated the lifter. I wonder if it is possible to change a lifter without pulling the head. I am sure I can pressurize the cylinder and get the keepers and spring off (and back on). But will I be able to push the valve up enough to get the hydralic lifter out of the lifter cup? or is there just not possible to move the valve high enough with the head on?

My understanding is that it is not possible.

You don't want to "pressurize the cylinder" or what-have-you. You simply want to use a flathead valve spring compressor, very simple after removing the valve covers, don't have to remove the manifolds, just the right front wheel and the inside fender cover.

A couple of these are available right now on Ebay for $25 or so.

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You’ll definitely need to remove the head and take out the valve before there is enough room to get the long lifter out.