need some timing help

88 mighty max 2.0 carb engine rebuild

Do I line the camshaft sprocket up with the top line in the picture (the line where the valve cover meets the head) or the bottom (the line inside the head). Confused because the haynes manual is not very specific and shows the camshaft sprocket level when timed correctly. But if you line it up with the bottom line in the picture, the camshaft sprocket is tilted counterclockwise. I'm having some issues getting the timing to 8 degrees.

???

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...8/eb4ec456.jpg

Line it up to the top line where the head and block meet and you should have no problem getting it timed right.

that is where I have it at. I cannot get to 8 degrees. I'm to far to the right of 8 or if I move it one tooth the other way I'm too far to the left. It will start but immediately dies when I raise the rpms

when I move the distributor

did you make sure #1 cylinder at top dead center and rotor is set accordingly. just saying cause those timing marks on the gears could be off by couple of teeth.

yes #1 tdc, I'll try putting the cam sprocket on the lower mark and see what happens

check to see where the cam is in relation to #1 cylinder at TDC, it should be one of two positions just begining to open #1 intake or about 180 out on flat of lobe indicating compression stroke.