[Mr-Jack]

battery was new as of last summer, and it hasn't been connected other than when i was starting or running the truck recently. the battery box has a wood bottom in the truck also, and the charge on the battery is still good. i've never took a starter and solenoid in to get them checked, but can't the local parts stores check to see if they are still good?

I grenaded my timing light one day so i have adjusted by ear (i know i know...get a timing light and do it right) but can this be heavily contributing to my problem that much?

Also...just so i'm solid on my technique...to get the #1 at TDC...spin the crank til the air blows my finger off the #1 spark plug hole. then use a wooden dowel to get the piston to the top of the compression stroke and I'm there right. Then check the balancer to make sure that it's at 0* ???