Alright-Im rebuilding my 250x and right now Im trying to get the timing set

When you turn the crankshaft to get it to TDC(top dead center) the manual says that its supposed to be in the compression stroke-How do I know if its on the compression stroke or not?

I did try to do it, but after lining it all up and bolting the sprocket to the camshaft, I turned it around a few times and lined it up to the "T" notch on the flywheel-however, the sprocket notches wouldnt line up.

Also, when lining up the "T" notch, is it supposed to stay there fairly easily or do you have to hold it there?

I dont know whats wrong-maybe I just dont get this whole timing thing, but it would help if someone could explain it to me.
Thanks a lot!
Will

 

Line the "T" mark up with the mark in the timing hole.Yes you will have to hold it there,it will want to turn on down to the "F" mark if you don't.Next,install your cam gear with the top mark straight up and the 2 side marks flush with the head surface.Then,while holding the cam gear in place(make sure you keep tension up on the chain so it doesn't change position on the crank gear)install your camshaft with the LOBES DOWN.Install the cam bolt that is up top and then rotate the engine and install the other cam bolt.Now,rotate the engine until your "T" mark is lined up.Check your cam timing marks.They should be lined up.If your "T" mark is on and your cam marks are slightly off,try taking your hand and turning the cam slightly to line it up(while holding the crankshaft mark dead on).Because at this point you don't have your cam chain tensioner installed and there will be some slack in the chain.When your marks are on,install your chain tensioner and rotate the engine again.Your marks should now be right on.If you absolutely cannot get the marks to line up correctly,it is possible that your cam chain is stretched and will need replaced.
Hope this helps.