Chuck---I know it seems a bit weird, and I agree with you. However, in this case, the small gear is attached to the flywheel and this is kind of a two part deal. Webster wants the crank throw positioned so that the piston is 15 degrees before bottom dead center, and also wants the cam set in a position where the rocker arm is about to begin lifting the exhaust valve, hence the exact positioning of the flywheel in its rotation. I have thought about this, and I too thought--"But what happens if the 15 degrees specified isn't correct?--Couldn't I just advance or retard the gear mesh by one tooth and correct it?" Yes, I am sure I could. I like this because it gives me a "way out" if the 15 degrees is not right. Anyhow, I have to start somewhere to pin the flywheel to the crankshaft, and I will do it according to the instructions, knowing that if its not quite right, I haven't painted myself into a corner.---Brian