Setting timing on dist with 85 maxima, how?

[bobotech]

This is in reference to my 85 nissan maxima. We had no start/no spark until today.

We finally figured it out, it was the power transistor/ignition module that was causing the problem.

However in the process of trying to narrow the problem down, we accidentally pull the distributor up too high and it got out of time.

So I now have spark but a no start situation.

How do I properly time the distributor so that it fires correctly?

And what is the best way to bring the 1st cylinder up to top dead center so tthat we can time it properly?

No pro tools available, just home tools.

(note, I did mark the location of the distributor in reference to the intake manifold so timing should be pretty close.)

[180fan]

do you have a timing light?

[bobotech]

do you have a timing light?

Yes I do, but what I'm doing is trying to set the initial timing, like if you replaced a timing belt and need to set the distributor to the proper setting.