I am new to the site but have searched for days on this and cannot figure it out .
I have a 93 4Runner 3.0 5speed . I got it not running. I replaced the head gaskets and had the heads machined etc etc . I have it all back together but the only way to get it to run is to advance the timing roughly 35 degrees .( distributer ) I thought maybe I had a tooth off on the belt . I pulled it all apart and reset the belt timing and I'm still getting the same result . Now I'm not 100% that I got the belt correct but after setting it 6 times and turning it over and such I feel fairly confident that it is right. The truck will run and drive . But has a very apparent loss of power and maybe a misfire of some sort. If I put the timing at 10 degrees like it should be it will struggle to idle and shut off. Any info or guidance will be GREATLY appreciated .

 

I feel ya. I just did a long-block swap in my '93 and at first could only get it to run when the timing mark was at about the 12 o'clock position. Nowhere near the timing degree wheel thing. One thing that did help was double checking my (new) spark plug gap. Turns out they were at about .024. Gapped 'em out to .041 like uncle Chilton says and got the TuRD to actually make it to 40 mph. But it still doesn't want to pull like the old tired motor that was in it. Got it at about 24 degrees right now, only middle ground where it'll run.

 

Distributor off a tooth?

 

Off by one tooth is just about 28°. I'd start there.