[A Snake]

Counter clockwise from #1

You should also make sure #1 piston is at top dead center with rotor pointing at #1 on the cap.

With plugs out, hand rotate engine. Put a finger over #1 spark plug hole. You'll feel pressure when the piston is coming up. Keep going until no more air blows past your finger. Also, you should have a valve cover off to be able to check the rockers at the same time. When both rockers are loose (or the push rods will twist with your fingers with hyd.) and the air has quit, you're close enough. Next, with the dist. cap off, turn the dist. until the rotor points at where #1 will be with the cap on. Now the engine will start. The timing will be "late", but with your light, you'll be able to get it set right.

If you're firing the engine for the first time since rebuilt or new, don't crank and crank if it won't start with the first turn of the key. go back and check fuel, spark etc. and try again. when it does fire, bring it up to 2,500rpm and keep it there. DON'T let it idle for at least a half hour of running.

You should also have verified oiling before starting. Prime the system with a drill (distributor out) and make sure you have proper pressure before firing.

Al