Head gasket repair gone wrong! Help

[geezer101]

If you don't have the timing mark within the degree markers on the cover, it's way out. Put it into diagnostic mode and dial it back to the factory recommended tune. If you want to find out if there is any untapped performance in the tune, get someone to hold the engine rpm @ 2000 and gently swing the distributor back and forth until you notice the rpm's jump by themselves, then retard the timing just a touch. Lock the distributor up and take it for a drive - take note of engine response and how much further the engine power band has extended. The factory tune nerfs these engines and it is more noticeable with OBD I engine management.

[Rut]

Is the dot on the distributor gear and the nub on the bottom of the distributor housing what I use to line up the rotor button for #1 cylinder? I removed the timing gear cover, the number 1 plug and turned the crank with a breaker bar to watch my marks line up. When the mark on the crank pulley stopped at the T on the degree marking my cam mark was on the money with the nub on the head. I then pulled the distributor cap and it appears to be on the #1 plug wire. That would be the bottom one closest to the front of the truck. The truck cranked over like normal then started struggling to crank over like it was compressing air. I still do not see the crank shaft pulley timing mark with the timing light. I rotated the distributor both ways and still no mark. Will I have to start pulling the distributor in and out and just rotating it 1 tooth at a time until I get results?