Classic/Antique Car Repair: 72 Dart timing, dodge dart, compression stroke

Question
Hello,
I have a '72 Dodge Dart with a completely rebuilt motor. It was running a little rough and I was told that the timing chain was a link off. When we compared the orientation of the gears to what was in the book, they were 180 degrees off. The mark on the smaller gear was in the correct position but the larger gear was facing the opposite way.  So we followed the manual and lined up the marks at top dead center, but now my car won't start at all. Do you have any suggestions on why it won't start?

Answer
YES. I don't believe it was 180 out, I believe you needed to rotate the engine one more round until the compression stroke.I don't do "larger gear, smaller gear". The crank gear can not be wrong, but the cam gear can be 180 out.

First make SURE the manual is for your engine, Then start from scratch. Make sure you number one piston is at TDC. Make sure your intake valve on THAT cylinder has just closed and align the cam mark. Then replace your chain.