I have a chevy small block 350 engine and I'm having timing problems. The problem is I have my rotor pointing at the number one spark plug and the piston is on the compression,but the harmonic balancer mark does not line on the timing mark and when I try to start it the distributor has to be turned past advance for it to even try to start,and the marks on the timing gears line up.SO IF There's ANYBODY OUT THERE THAT COULD HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM I WOULD BE VERY THANKFUL. THANK YOU

Procedure seems a bit off. We will assume that the engine didn't jump time. Can happen with a worn chain.

You need to make sure both valves are shut and the harmonic balancer pulley is at the timing mark.

Then insert the distrbuter with the rotor pointing to the number one cylinder. It should slip right into place. The engine should start at TDC.Start and adjust time.

Your procedure is just out of order.

You can make any of the distributer outputs the #1 cylinder when you insert it. Just give yourself some slop in the right direction(s).