Im new to working on cars so id appreciate a little sympathy with regards to this question. How do you get the timing sprocket on the crank on?

 

i use a deep socket that'll fit over the crank and sort of tap it on with a hammer, it doesn't take much to get it to slide on.

 

How will i know that the sprocket is on all the way?

 

You could install the cam sprocket, and use a straight edge to make sure the cam gear lines up exactly with the crank gear. Or, You could install the cam gear, hang the timing chain over the cam gear, and drape the chain over the top of the crank sprocket. See if the chain will meet the teeth exactly of the crank sprocket, or if the chain is angled forward/backward. But I think the straightedge is your best bet, that's what I did when I installed my timing set.

You could also use a harmonic balancer installer to get the crank sprocket on. Instead of a harmonic balancer, put a piece of thick pipe between the crank sprocket and balancer installer. Then when you turn the nut (to "install the balancer"), you're forcing the pipe against the crank sprocket, and pushing the sprocket onto the crank snout.

Just don't use the center crank bolt for ANY OF THIS!! (I snapped mine off in the crank snout... )