#1 find tdc & set timing. I turn the dampener to 5 btdc & screw the positive stop tool in to hit the piston then turn the crank the other way & see if it stops at 5 atdc this saves me from having to make any marks on the dampener that will further add to my confused state & I put one of those plastic vac caps on the end to keep from nicking the piston. To check you could also just take the thermostat out,it's not going to hurt anything not having a fast warm up just this one time. best way to eliminate airlocks is to raise the front end of the car & run it(w no stat) & burp it just like you would a baby. I had way retarded timing once & it got hot FAST. Good Luck.