Motorcycle Repair: 1973 ironhead sportster, push rods, ironhead

Question
So i pulled my timing cover and forgot to pull the points bolt out and pulled my cam out with the cover.. I believe i have the marks lined up right but now i need to know how to adjust the push rods. What is the routine for adjusting the timing,the push rods and do the marks need to line up perfect and what would the gap be on this bike? I bought the bike in pieces and have not yet started it. Any ideas? Thank you for your help..Rick

Answer
Yes, the cam marks have to line up perfectly or your bike wont run  correctly. So, make sure you recheck them.
To set the timing the motor has to be at top dead center. At that point the points should be just starting to open. After you have the bike running you then need to check the timing with a timing light.
The points need to be set at .018
To adjust the pushrods start with the front exhaust. Rotate the motor so the lifter is all the way at the bottom of its stroke. Now adjust the pushrod by making it longer until there is no up and down play in it and you can just spin it between your fingers. Tighten the locknut and do the same for each one.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike