The ball and pointer timing method was actually designed to set the ignition timing with the engine stopped. That is known as "static timing". The engine is turned slowly in a clockwise direction from the front until the ball and the pointer align, then the distributor housing is rotated clockwise until the points close. Then turn the housing anti-clockwise until the points just barely break open, lock the adjusting screw, and the initial timing is set. You can make minor adjustments to the timing for best performance during a road test with the "octane selector" if you choose to do so. Depending on the quality of the gasoline you have available, it might be possible to move the timing up to approximately half the width of the bell housing window anti-clockwise from the pointer, but don't overdo things. Slightly late timing is much better than being over-advanced.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
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