Mark,
You should find a TDC, a static timing mark, and a max timing mark on the pulley. The static and the TDC mark should be fairly close together, and the max timing should be 30 or 35 degrees from TDC (memory fails, my service manual is out in the barn, and it's COLD!). If you're starting from having pulled the distributor, turn the engine to the TDC or static timing mark -- they should only be 4 or 5 degrees apart -- pull the #1 plug (farthest front) ground it to the tractor and move the distributor until you see the plug spark. That should get it timed well enough to start it. If your H is still + ground or 6 volts or both, you're going to need an external 12v battery to use with your standard automotive strobe timing light. The other hassle is that with a 50+ year old distributor there's going to be enough slop that you can see your dynamic timing jumping a few degrees either way while you're using the strobe. If it is steady, crank in 3/4 to 80% throttle and move the distributor until the light fires showing the pointer lined up with the max mark. If you don't want to go the spare battery / trust the distrubtor route - set the throttle at 20% - 40% and move the distributor until you hear the fastest idle speed, then back it off and tad, bolt down the distributor then take it out and try the engine under load, listening for pre-igntion. If it sounds good, you've gotten 95% of the result for half the effort. If you hear a ping, retard it a little - and generally err on the side of too much retard to be safe. Anyway, either way, it shouldn't take you long to get the old H purring like a kitten - which is the real payoff. Good luck, and have fun with it.
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