22re timing issues and tapping noise NEED HELP

[BANKSY08]

I recently got a 94' 2wd for free with a 22re that had a blown head gasket. I went ahead and got a reman head for it when i replaced the gasket. I got the truck running what i thought to be good. It ran fine but made a tapping noises so i adjusted the vales and it got worse. So i figured i would get a light and actually set the idle and timing and this is where all the problems are. Rite now the truck is running at about 18 degree. the spec is 5. The Idle is at about 1200 and is supposed to be 750. If i retard the distributor all the way it only takes it bac to about 12 degrees, and the tapping noise does soften some. but with the timing at 12 the truck will barely run below about 900rpm. with the engine running extremely slugglish and with no power at all. So i tried to get the timing bac some more by moving the distributor one tooth and it wouldn't even start. So then i moved it bac. Rite now Im left with a 22re running at about 12-15 btdc and an idle of 1200 with the distributor as retarded as it can get without moving a tooth and the idle screw turned down as far as it can go. Also the Idle is not constant it moves +or- 200rpm. I don't kno what to try next....any Ideas? or similar problems?

[Jayota]

Are you sure you put the timing chain on correctly, and got everything lined up??

Did you replace the chain when you did the head? If not, how worn was it?

Did you jump the TE1 and E1 connectors before you timed? When you jump them the idle will drop, then you set it.

[fourwd1]

And did you have cyl #1 at TDC before you pulled the distrib, and when you re-installed it?