Jester93

Was the system opened up? Difficult to direct if I don't know where your coming from.

230K miles on my '93. Unknown miles on the replacement engine.

You can bend it back till you can't see it. BUT, in a very short time, your belt will show you where it is. Hell, you can use a steering wheel puller. Once you unbolt the outside pulley, use those bolt holes for you puller. You will obviously need longer bolts. No damage to the pulleys or the rubber isolator that is IN your balancer. Just like the factory service manual.

First run down and get a spark plug tool. Or just build one out of an old plug and tap the center. With this installed in the #1 cylinder, bring the piston up till it just touches the stop. Mark your balancer with something fine and lasting. A silver pencil from the welding store is perfect. Now turn the crank backwards almost a full turn. Again bring the piston up to the stop and mark your balancer. You should now have two marks. The EXACT center between these two lines is your TRUE TDC.

Perhaps this will help