There should be timing marks on literally everything.
TDC on #1 sgould be indicated on crank pulley and timing cover. Also the cam-lobes vs valves for the cylinder will both be slack


Not sure what you mean timing gears? The one(s) attached to cam shaft(s)? They also should have marks, one between teeth and one on a tooth. They will only mesh and line up with keyway correctly, or backwards.
If you mean the one on the crank, it should be a one-way jobby, maybe tapered, definitely keyed.

I would smash the crank bolt off, then hand tighten it again, line up TDC and go from there. Again, as long as your marks all line up, you can't go too far wrong (maybe )