djeepsterb

I put a new distributor pickup in my Jeep inline 6 and when I installed, it got out of time.

I went to retime:

Turned engine CW to match notch on harmonic balancer to 0 on timing plate
Took out distributor, set oil pump distributor key to 11:00
Set distributor rotor to 5:00 (#1 cylinder)

It'll crank but won't start. Tried repeatedly, won't even bite. I checked for spark at #1 cylinder, its OK. I hear the fuel pump run when turning ign to ON position.

Any help appreciated.

Abovetimberline

either hold your thumb over #1 spark plug hole and either use a remote starter,or have someone help you and tap the ingnition until you feel compression,then make sure it as tdc with 0 on the mark,you can also use a rag in the hole and tap the key until it pops out.
Then make sure the rotor is pointing at the 5 0clock or #1,make sure it is the tab not the button on top,it will run.

SeriousOffroad

Remove the #1 Spark Plug
Remove the Dist.Cap
Remove the distributor.
Bring the #1 piston up to Top Dead Center on the Compression Stroke. Stuff your finger in the spark plug hole while someone bumps the starter. When yo feel air blowing by your finger STOP.
Use a 19mm socket and turn the harmonic balancer bolt clockwise (only) while keeping an eye on the timing marks on the timing chain cover.
Once the #1 piston is at TDC, re-install the distributor so that the rotor is pointing at the 5 O'clock position when the distributor is fully seated.

A word of caution.
Make sure that you rotate the oilpump shaft with a long screwdiver so that it lines up properly with the distributor. Failure to do so will prevent the distributor from fully seating.

Reinstall the cap
Reinstall the sparkplug
Double check the plugwires to make sure you have the correct sequence.
Fire it up.