'56 stepside
Distributor & timing - Your getting great info on this, just make sure you have the plug wires on the correct cylinders.
Compression test - if the readings differ widely from cylinder to cylinder, the low compression is likely by the valves. Make sure the rockers have clearance. Also, the valves might be sticking open or may be burned or not seating correctly. If you have sticking valves, you will get fire back through the carb while the engine is running.
Timing mark (ball) on flywheel - I never could find mine until I cleaned the flywheel (through the viewing hole) with a rag and solvent. There it was looking right back at me.
Starting & Running - an old carb is often so gummed up that you can't keep the engine running. My experience is: if you can start it with "starting fluid" and keep it running by give it a shot every 5 or 10 seconds, the carb likely needs a thorough cleaning and rebuild.
Don
