[Royce P]

1. Pull out the #1 spark plug
2. Shine a light in the spark plug hole (flashlight)
3. Using the hand crank watch in the hole as you crank the engine. You are looking for the compression stroke where both valves are closed and the piston is coming upwards.
4. To determine the exact place the spark should happen use a plastic stir stick from McDonalds or a plastic straw. Place the straw on the piston as it approaches TDC on the compression stroke. You will feel the piston come to the top. The crank handle will move an inch or so with no movement of the piston, because the piston is "at" TDC.
5. Continue to gently turn the engine using the crank. When the piston just begins to move downward stop! This is where the spark needs to happen.
6. Lay the #1 spark plug on the head bolt with its wire connected.
7. Disconnect the timer rod from the steering column.
8. Turn the ignition on "BAT".
9. Adjust the timer until it the spark happens just after the piston passes TDC as in steps 1 - 5. You can repeat steps 1 - 5 with the key on to verify that you have indeed found the right spot.
10. Bend the timer rod so that the timer is in this position with the rod connected and the spark lever on the steering column is all the way up.