In addition to these good ideas, I like to overfill the engine oil pan with lots of oil, atf etc in order to get the rear seal kind of prelubed before rotating the engine. I use an oil squirt can to nurse the carb intake with a mixture of oil & gas, instead of trying to fill the carb ahead of time. Also, the valves like to stick,down causes excessive clearance, and stuck up may bend a pushrod. remove the plugs, and the valve cover and slowly rotate the engine and watch for any valve action- stuck down with excessive clearance, or stuck up which may cause the engine to have a tight spot.
do this by hand and you will get a feel for what is going on.
