Well you can get a pretty accurate idea with the rod down #1 plug hole at TDC then BDC,

mark the rod with masking tape and biro the respective positions,

Then do all the other cylinders. Compare each.

Accurate enough that I've used this technique on diesels and got good results.

But I doubt you damaged either crank or rods.

I think you have just messed up the cam timing.

Take the belt off,

now turn the crank back say 90 degrees to get the pistons out the way.

now turn the cam until the steer plate engages,

making sure #1 cams are in the correct position,

I can't remeber if the can be 180 degrees out but check,

you can do it by eye lining up the slot in the rear until it's horizontal.

And if I recall when correct the guide plate can be tight to go in and "may" need rocking or a small tap.

Now for mechanics basics.

4 stoke engine with firing order 1.3.4.2.

So with #1 on compression #3 is on induction so inlet valve should be opening and so on.

So what I'm getting at is it's possible you've set it up for#4.

So with the piston still half way down big spanner on the cam forging and turn it until the slot is horriizontal and the exhaust cam is pointing towards the front of the engine.

same procedure with the inlet but the inlet cam lobe for #1 is facing towards the rear of the engine

If i recall valve spring makes this a bit of a pig as it tries to turn the cam back against you.

I think I used a thin bit of angle steel to temporary lock the cam rotation.

All the time remebering/checking firing order 1.3.4.2.

Refit the cam timing plate at the end.

bar down the plug hole then turn the crank to #1TDC.

Tension the belt the lock the cam sprokets then see if it'll turn over by hand with the plugs out.

Go slow so if it's still wrong you wont damage the valves.