The distributor rotates clockwise, as you know. It is probably easiest to have somebody crank it for you while you rotate the distributor around until it fires. You can also use a timing light to see when it is firing while cranking even if it won't start.

Usually if it is too far advanced it will slow the starter down as it tries to fire.

If you've been trying for a while you might want to dry out the spark plugs- especially if they weren't replaced. You may just have fouled them.

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