The distributor can be installed 180 degrees out of position, even if the flywheel ball is aligned with the pointer. The ball aligns as #1 cylinder is on the top of the compression stroke, and again one turn of the crankshaft later when #6 is ready to fire. You need to determine which cylinder is compressing and line up the distributor rotor with that plug wire.
Remove the valve cover and watch the valves for the #6 cylinder as you turn the crankshaft clockwise from the front. The last valve in line is the #6 exhaust valve. Watch it open (spring compressing) and closing again. Just as the exhaust valve closes, the next one in line will begin to open. At this point the #1 cylinder is at top dead center of the compression stroke with the plug ready to fire. The flywheel BB should be at, or very near alignment with the pointer in the hole above the starter.
Align the oil pump drive with a long screwdriver, and drop the distributor into the hole so the rotor aligns with the #1 spark plug wire. Turn the distributor housing clockwise until the points close, then turn it CCW until the points just barely open. Lock the distributor housing down at that point, and the timing should be close enough to start the engine. Good luck!
Jerry
