1963 Timing marks

[FoxyRoxy]

I have cleaned up and rebuilt the timing and am getting closer to firing this old 390 back up. I am confused on all tge numbers though as I've only set timing on a chevy 350 wich only had a couple notches and a bkank pointer. The hash marks on the new balancer are just like the old one and are two notches offset from the pulley so a mark at 8 on pulley aligns with 14 on the balancer. Ive been told to mark zero on pointer and tdc 0 on pulley then use with light to get the recommended 15 btdc that ive read. I know to remove vacuum line and loosen distributor. All the numbers are confusing. It ran fine before tear down just started hard with fire in carb. Any info or experience would help. Thx

 

[74 Harley]

There are no timing marks on pulleys that I have ever heard of.
The correct factory setting is 6 degrees before top dead center.
15 degrees is to far advanced and will create hard starting. (Unless your timing chain is loose)