What a difference.

After connecting the jumper line, the timing checked out at past TDC! I adjusted it with the jumper in place, to just the left of the 5-dgree line. Removing the jumper, it registered 10 degrees before top dead center. Checked it again and it remained at 5 with the jumper on. So I know i got it.

I lowered the idle to about 800 RPM: it had been a bit high.

The distributor position is not quite all the way to the left: I will check on timing belt positioning a little later, as I'm still not happy with the valve seals, yet...still some smoke on start-up...so I'll be taking the timing cover off. Thanks to you, Komeuppance, if i have to start all over with the timing belt, I'll know how to complete the task right.

There is some hesitation on take-off when it's warmed up...my impression is the timing belt slackening. It does fine otherwise. My question is: was the tensioner tension enough, or should I have put more pressure on the belt before tightening the bolts?