Timing is everything

["cruznmd" <racuti1@xxxx>]

I have bolted on the one head I removed. I am now ready to time the 
engine. The procedure in the book is not working.

I have aligned the keyway and timing chain marks with the timing 
sprocket marks as described in the book. 

This isn't working because the book has you align the key way w/the 
LH bank of cylinders. Once you align the chain marks w/the timing 
marks on the sprockets, the cam is out of position. The drive pin is 
not aligned with the drive slot at the end of the cam. The slot and 
tab are supposed to be upppermost. The tab on the sprocket is, but 
the slot on the cam is down. When I try to rotate the cam to match 
up, a valve opens and strikes a cylinder and the cam will not rotate 
any further. I'm terrified I'll think I've lined it all up and crank 
the engine over and bend the valves. I've seen it happen.

I've already potentially done enough damage to the engine with my 
previous mistakes. Please help me into the light at the end of the 
tunnel.