Kinda groping in the blind here and have a couple of questions. Hope
someone can explain.

I need to swap a dead distributor for a live one - and I want to be sure
the timing is right when I do it. As I understand, the engine should be
turned by hand to the point where the 2nd timing mark is at top - ie the
split in the case - which would be top dead center. This should bring
the rotor finger center line in line with a mark on the distributor
housing.

For the engine from which I am pulling a known good distributor - I
follow the same procedure. 2nd pulley mark at the split - distributor
finger should be at the distributor housing mark. That being the case -
the swap should be straight across - and any timing variances should be
minor, requiring only a little tweaking  - maybe.

Have I got this right? Or am I missing something?  The real issue is a
dead hall sensor and given what I have on hand - this is the quickest
way to getting my rig back up and running. I'll deal with a new Hall
sensor later.

As always, all input is appreciated.

Thanks,

John