The best route is to put a wrench on the crankshaft and turn the crank by hand (clockwise in the vehicles I have owned) at least four times over. If anything has been mis-aligned, you'll find it either by hearing or when you find you cannot turn the crank. This way you'll not damage anything. If you wish, you can remove the spark plugs so that you're not fighting compression as you turn the crank, but it isn't necessary.
I would never start the engine without turning the crank by hand first.
Good luck with your work!
I would never start the engine without turning the crank by hand first.
Good luck with your work!