Motorcycle Repair: installing/timing of magneto, ironhead, pushrods

Question
Hi ike,  I have a 66 ironhead, just rebuilt after 20+ years in a garage.  I got it to start by retarding the magneto as far as I could turn it.  I then tried to pull it and reinsert it so that the points were just closing off of the narrow lob at the first (single line) timing mark.  I had adjustment both ways but couldn't even get it to burp.  I read that it should be inserted so that the points are just starting to open on the narrow lob at the first timing mark and tried that.  Again retarding it even further than that I got it to start once before I wore my leg out but it died when I tried to see if it would idle.  I saw on one of your notes that if the points were "out" the magneto needed to be turned.  I didn't understand.  Can you explain it so a dumb ol boy can understand.  Thanks....

Answer
First, make sure you are on top dead center and not a 180 degrees off. At top dead center the front intake valve should have just closed. Put the mag in so that the points are just starting to open at the timing mark. Make sure the points are set correctly and that the coil is good.
Also, make sure the valves are not to tight. The pushrods should just turn between your fingers when the motor is cold.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike