Are you talking of valve timing or ignition timing? If its valves you can work this out. Turn the engine over until the rotor arm on the distributor is pointing at the the spark plug lead for the number 1 plug. If you have electronic ignition you need to remove a plug(s) and observe the spark. which occurs when the no 1 cylinder is under compression With the rocker cover off you should see the inlet valve open (valve spring compressed) and exhaust shut (spring extended) if it all correct. As the firing order is 1342 if you rotate the engine slowly the next inlet valve to open shoould be 3 , then 4 then 2. If teh valves open in the right order timing is good. If they dont and you have changed the timing chain, then you may bt 180 degrees out. Timing marks should be in line with the engine No1 piston at top dead centre. I cant remmeber if teh marks are positioned together or at the top when correctly aligned. I think from memory they should be in line and at / towards the top on cam and flywheel.
Take it steady and think 4 stroke engine. Strokes of the piston in a cycle. Induction, COmpression ignition exhaust. SO You can watch the valves as you slowly turn the engine. If the spark occurs on no 1 cylinder just before TDC on the compression stroke you are good. If not its not going to start.
