TDC usually refers to being at Top Dead center on a compression stroke. #1 piston all the way up and both valves closed (cam lobes pointing away from the valves). Sounds to me like you weren't on the compression stroke.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.