Motorcycle Repair: pushrods, xls sportster, crank case

Question
what is the correct way to adjust pushrods on a 1982 1000 xls sportster .i adjusted the way the clymer book says three times . i rotated rear cylinder to top position adjusted front cylinder finger lose same as for front up for front , adjusted rear .  not running right sounds like to much back pressure coming from crank case . do i need to start with a certian pushrod . or take timing plug out and bring it to top dead cylinder , and then start with a certian cylinder , much thanks frank

Answer
First, jack the bike up so the rear tire is off the ground and remove the spark plugs. Slide the covers up so you can see the pushrods. I use a clothspin to hold them up. Now starting with the front exhaust, rotate the motor, usually in 4th gear, until the pushrod is all the way down. Loosen the locknut and turn the adjuster just until you can still spin the pushrod between your fingers. There should be no up and down play, but not to tight that it cant be spun freely. Now tighten the locknut. Now go to the next one and do the same thing for all four. Make sure the motor is stone cold. Otherwise they will not be adjusted correctly.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike