The ball lines up with the pointer twice on each cycle. If you don't put your finger on the spark plug hole, you could drop the distributor in with the engine 180 degrees off the TDC..

I like to use the procedure in the service manual and watch the # 1 intake valve rise up ( close ) then continue spinning the flywheel until the ball lines up with the pin.

Whatever works..

Bill M
53 GMC Hydra-Matic

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