it doesn't matter where the rotor is pointing, just get #1 up on TDC on the compression stroke, and wherever the rotor is use that as #1. As long as the wires go to the cylinders in order you are golden. You can set the timing by having #1 on compression, with the pointer on the BB, loosen the clamp on the distributor, turn it clockwise till the points open then close, then using a thin piece of paper (cigarette paper type thin)between the points, turn it counter clockwise till it just lets go of the paper with a light tension on the paper. Then lock it down, and you should be nearly dead on. As far as struggling to turn over you either have a bad starter, bad battery, or more likely bad cables and or connections. (I.E. jumper cables)
Last edited by brokenhead; 04/25/2016 11:59 AM.
