Dale & Mike,
I hope you do not mind me entering this discussion.
1) Since you will have the valve cover off, and you will be able to see the valve stems and tappets, you might as well look for both #1 cylinder valves being closed/shut (rocker arms being loose). I also check to see if the timing ball on the flywheel visible (it may or may not be lined up with the pointer, depending on the year/model flywheel).
2) There is no need to remove plugs/wires. Be sure the ignition is off.
3) Turn the crankshaft any way that works. I use the fan-belt and/or harmonic balancer. Or, I use a flywheel turner. Using the starter would be OK, i guess.
Be sure to let the engine run for at least 30 minutes after reaching operating temperature before stopping the engine and removing the valve cover.
