no you cannot set timingwith the engine not running. the dizzy should be keyed(only go in one way) the movement is only for fine tuning (+or- 15 degrees or so) take the dist cap off, get some one to spin the engine over, if the rotor is spinning the timing belt is not broken. to see if it jumped time (no marks reference just follow this) take a LONG (18-24") 1/4" extension and place in the #1 cylinder, the one closest to the timing belt( with all spark plugs removed) take (17 or 19mm) a socket and slowly spin the engine over by hand. as the #1 piston comes up the exrention will begin moving up. when the ext stops its upward movement it is at tdc (top dead center) check your rotor button, it should point to the #1 cyl eletrode in the cap. if not turn engine over slowly by hand until the ext goes down and back up one time. check dizzy again if not aligned possibly has jumped timing. any questions pm me