I have an 89 sportster 1200 and I am trying to install new rocker arms but I cannot get the arm to line up with the holes to get the shaft through. The pushrod is at the lowest point possible, does anyone have any tips?

 

Okay... Well it's not going to line up because the lifter has become uncompressed and risen upwards which pushes the pushrods up.

Do you have adjustable pushrods?

 

Your down that far. Go a little farther and take the rocker boxes off.
Make sure your at TDC on both before doing it.

Or wait for the lifters to bleed down

 

non adjustable push rods, how long does it take for the lifters to bleed down? What do I do after I take off the rocker box? Thanks I appreciate the help.

 

Take the rocker box off and then replace the shafts.
There wont be any pressure on them.
COnversly you will know when they are bled down when you can rotate the pushrods with 2 fingers

 

so the pushrods should be able to rotate when the pistons at tdc? before i read this i got the shafts in in but i had to use a little bit of force and the pushrods definately did not rotate, will i cause damage to my engine? The head seems to be making a tapping noise are they opening the valves too much or something?