Motorcycle Repair: Only one cylinder firing, valve adjustment, pushrod

Question
QUESTION: I have an 1984 Harley sportster.  I am only getting one cylinder firing.  The cylinder has power (spark).  When the bike runs, only one cylinder gets hot and when I pull the wire off the cold cylinder, no change in motor speed.  Pull the hot one, engine stops.  How do you know when the valve a fully closed , for adjustment?  Any other ideas??
Thanks

ANSWER: Since you have spark and will have fuel, then you need to check your valves to make sure they are opening, or no fuel will go to the cylinder. You can do this by removing the clips on the pushrod covers and rotate the motor and see if the pushrods are moving up and down
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes they go up and down.  Also when engine is rev'ed I believe that the cylinder does fire.  I want to check the valve adustment.  How do I know when the valve is Shut??  Fullu up or down ?  Thanks

Answer
To check the valve adjustment, rotate the motor so the valve is fully closed or the lifter is all the way down. Next, loosen the adjuster nut and tighten the pushrod so that it just turns in your fingers and tighten the locknut and its set. Do this for each valve
Good luck and happy riding
Mike