+1^^^ and when you do that you can make sure your cam mark is in the right place (just shy of noon... Like 11:45...) and then make sure your rotor is at the number 1 cylinder spot.

 

I agree with them taking the valve cover off is easy...and just bdouble check the marks sounds like the dist or timing is off a tooth

 

FWIW I've never used any rtv or any other sealant on the valve cover gasket or the half moon seals. I just make sure they're clean, in good shape, and that the top of the head is clean. Then a smear a little clean engine oil on them and it seals up just fine. There isn't much pressure behind the oil up there (as long as your pcv is working) and I've never had an issue with the 5 or so 22re's I've owned. Others may have experienced otherwise, of course.

 

okay fellas I got it, turns out that wednesday I did have the timing set right, but the #2 and #3 wires were out of order.

My excuses:
#1 I was up way too late after a 12 hour day shift last week working on this thing when I thought the wires were out of order and switched them.

#2 I'm pretty religious and don't abuse any substances (except Mountain Dew) anyway two days ago immediately after pulling the valve cover and setting the timing I had to go out of town to have surgery, during the surgery (yesterday) I was pumped full of morphine by my doctor and spent all day yesterday STONED (the doctor did it so it's okay), I think it is no coincidence that I was able to get this problem solved today.

Thanks for all the support guys, after a month and a half of wrenching on this thing my little truck is running great!