firing order...

I set the No. 1 piston on the compression stroke and noted that the rotor was pointing to the No. 3 spark plug wire. My wiring order is ok (1,2,4-3) with the number 1 wire set at the 1-mark on the distributor cap.

What's my problem here? Shouldn't the rotor be pointed at the No. 1 spark wire at the compression stroke of the No. 1 piston? Am I blind and I'm looking in the wrong place for the timing marks? I've cleaned the plate to remove any grease build-up. All I see is the gear and the smooth plate behind it.

What y'all think?

As for timing marks on flywheel, most actually have 2-sets of timing marks 180 deg apart, so it doesn't even matter which sparkie you time to, you'll ALWAYS be in time. (assuming you can read your rusted over timing marks) Try some real schoolboard white chalk, rubbed into faint timing marks. Also rotate your flywheel 180 degs and look for timing marks (#2 on compression)

Usually the reason your engine won't take power is bad/stuck centrifical advance weight pivots and broken return springs UNDERNEATH your points plate.

This assumes that when you throttle up for more power, your GOVERNOR passes that command to the carb throttle shaft. Eazy check, stand by carb and hand operate the carb/governor rod, when you jazz the carb, the governor should fight you, its good.

You can also disconnect the spring-loaded governor shaft (eather end) and jazz yer carb, if'n it picks-up, then the distributor centrifical advance is probably working..... ....Dell

This doesn't make any sense at all. I had the distributor pulled for cleaning and I'm wondering if they got it back the right way. Without the timing marks on the flywheel the only way I can time it is to set it to the compression stroke on No. 1, but if I do that it won't start, however, the way its set up now (rotor pointed to #3 during compression stroke of #1 piston), she will start and idle fine but won't rev-up or pull a load

HELP!

Sounds like you may have your distributor in 180 degrees out. But you should still see timing marks, like Dell said use #3 for time. Pull all your plugs,put finger over #1 Front one and turn engine over by turning fan blade clockwise. You will feel pressure build up in #1 plug hole (hold finger down tight. When the pressure just starts to drop off you should be able to see the timing marks. (I had to spray mine off with brake clean before I could see them) Mark 4 degrees advance with small dap of white paint. Now go 180 degrees on flywheel and clean those timing marks off. Go back to first set of marks and set timing.Pull dist. and reinstall it correctly if needed. I always check with a timing light but it is always good. By the way the brake clean will drain out the bottom hole with he cotter key in it. If not clean the hole out. LEAVE THE COTTER KEY IN when done.