Motorcycle Repair: push rods, blown head gasket, flstn

Question
have a 1994 flstn.  had a blown head gasket that I replaced.  for some reason when I put the pushrods back on they would not spin freely.  I torque the bolts per specification of 10-12 pounds.  thier is no damage to the rods so I dont feel that is the problem.  should the valves be open or closed? or is there something else I could try! any help would be appreciated.

Answer
You need to bleed the lifters. Lift the rear wheel off the ground. remove the spark plugs and put the bike in 5th gear. Start with any pushrod and rotate the rear wheel until the pushrod goes up, or is opening the valve. now let it sit for around 15 minutes so it can bleed. Now go to the next one and do the same thing. Do not start the bike until you do this or you are taking a chance of hitting the piston on a valve.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike