"Loose" and "tight" pushrods are much too subject to interpretation when trying to establish which cylinder is on the compression stroke. Here's a better method:
Rotate the crankshaft in a clockwise direction, either by bumping the starter or putting the transmission in high gear and rolling the vehicle forward, until the #6 exhaust valve starts to open. It's the last one at the back end of the cylinder head. Continue turning the engine until the exhaust valve opens fully and starts closing. Watch the #6 intake valve (second one from the rear) and stop the engine just as it's beginning to open. This position is called "rocking", with the exhaust closing and the intake opening. At that point, both the #1 and #6 pistons are exactly at the top of their stroke. #1 will be at the top of the compression stroke with both valves closed.
At this crankshaft position, rotate the distributor housing clockwise until the points close. Turn it back CCW until the points just barely open. Lock the distributor adjustment down.
Use whichever distributor cap tower the rotor is pointing toward as #1- - - -position doesn't matter. Arrange the remaining wires clockwise as 5-3-6-2-4. Install the distributor cap, turn on the ignition switch, and crank the engine. I guarantee it will start!
This timing procedure has worked for me for almost 60 years.
Jerry
