I usually go by the dot on the crank gear to know when each piston is at the top of its stroke. Can I go by the postion of the push rod? Common sense would say when the push rod is at its lowest point, the piston would be at its highest point because the valve would be closed. If you have a different way of figuring this out with out removing the timing chain cover and without using air in the cylinders or rope in the cylinders, please speak up... Thanks