3.1L timing

I am rebuilding this engine and saw a post on no compreesion because timing gears were not right. I may have done the same thing. I have already installed the front cover. I am about to put the heads back on. Is there a way to be sure I have the timing gears right before I go any further. If I put the heads on and can hear compression when I turn the engine will this assure me that its right.

Make sure that #1 is at top dead center on the compression stroke. You can do this by placing the lifters in the holes and rotating the engine until both lifters are level with each other. Then check the timing marks on the crank damper. If everything lines up then you are timed properly. If not you are 180 out. Or you can wait until the heads are on and the valves properly adjusted, you can do the same thing by making sure that both valves are closed with #1 at TDC.

where are the timing marks on the damper? The one I have has 2 dots on the face about 1.5'' apart and then I can see a line etched into the face. I dont see any arrow on the front cover, there is a raised mark on the right side above the damper.

Sorry about that, I am from the days when timing was set with a light not by a computer. The new balancers don't have timing marks since the computer sets the timing. You will need to rely on one of the other methods to make sure that the timng is right. Unfortunately, once you get everything set up you will need to pull the front cover to check the alignment of the timing marks on the chain to insure that the timing is properly set.

ok thanks