Keith -

It is easy to put the T-belt in with the crank pulley off by one tooth. I did, and the engine would start but ran awful. If the one-tooth error was a 2-tooth error, it likely wouldn't have started. The belt has to be wrapped way around that pulley to get the belt mark and the pulley mark to match. Then pull the belt up to the I-shaft pulley and use the belt mark to match the pulley mark. Pull it on to the C-shaft, same thing. Use the belt marks. I put some marks on the front edge of the belt, they help.

It is possible to have the crank at TDC but on the non-firing stroke. You can look at the #1 cylinder cam lobes, they should be pointing about upper left and upper right, and the crank pulley at the mark.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)