I remember doing 2 waterpumps on mid 70's SL's and dont remember taking out the distributor, did you turn the engine while the distributor was out ? if you did you might be 180 degrees from TDC, to find TDC remove all spark plugs, find the #1 Cylinder, it will be the most forward cylinder, turn the engine in the operating direction with a socket on the harmonic balance while plugging the spark plug with your finger, when you feel the air pressure pushing out that is the compression stroke and stop and look at the timing marks and line up to 0, replace the distributor with the rotor pointing to the #1 cylinder on the distributor cap and make sure the firing order is correct and that should get you timed and able to start,

Post your findings and results

__________________
Jerry

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