Silly Timing question

If you have more than 12* initial advace via turning the distributor, the 0 TDC timing mark on the dampner is hidden by the water pump so you nned to bring it back to at least 10* advance to see the dampner mark. You either need a dial back timing light or mark your dampner for 34* total mechanical.
from zero on the dampner. Turn the crank clockwise (natural rotation) apprx. 3in. now measure 2 9/16" on the OD from the zero mark. scribe a line and mark some colour of highlight marker (I use black). With the vacuum advance disconnected and plugged, set your total mechanical advance to the scribed mark at somewhere around 3000rpm or whenever the distributor has full mechanical advance. You could also scribe a mark at 1 1/8" which is 15* and see if you can see that line at idle.