22RE Running Rough

[sjctpl]

I just got my 87 4x4 back together after a new timing chain kit and head gasket.I can't get the timing right.I have to keep it advanced to keep it from stalling.It is also running very rough and it seems like it is missing,but it is not popping back thru the intake.I dont know if bad gas[truck has been sitting since June],or if I'm off a tooth on the distributor.Also,there is a pretty loud tapping noise from the rocker area.I'm thinking that is probably a valve adjustment.I did have the head shaved,could that affect the timing adjustment? The distributor was turned all the way clockwise and did seem to run better,but ithe engine was still rough.So this is where I'm where I'm at.Anyone with ideas would be a big help,THNX
JIM

[fast68]

the distributor you can make sure the wire for #1 is at the rotor tip when the #1 cylinder is at TDC of compression stroke of that cylinder

easy to check

check that first

make sure it is right on it, or a tiny hair advanced

factory location of #1 tower is the one at 11 o clock position when looking from driver sdie fender at the cap

but it doesnt matter which you make #1 tower so as long as it is the one the rotor is pointing at when #1 cylinder is at TDC of cmpression stroke