2.3L ('83-'97) Amateur hour 2.3

[RobbieD]

.. and How do I know I'm on the first compression stroke?

I put my fingertip lightly on the #1 spark plug hole (the plug is removed). Turn the motor over with the starter. Compression stroke has both valves closed; you will feel compression on your fingertip. On the exhaust stroke the exhaust valve opens, so there will not be any compression felt. Be careful with the fingertip pressure using the starter, as on the power stroke your fingertip will be sucked into the hole if you don't back it off quick enough.

This will also work when turning the crank by hand, which is slower, and let's you fine-tune where you're at in the four stroke cycles.