An internal combustion engine includes an engine housing defining a cylinder, and a first and a second gas exchange valve for the cylinder, positioned within the engine housing. The engine further includes a valve actuating mechanism having a first and a second valve lifter reciprocating within adjacent lifter bores to actuate the first and second gas exchange valves. Each of the first and second valve lifters includes an end cap having a misalignment limiting projection, limiting rotation of the valve lifter in response to dynamic perturbation.