This normal for setting timing?

I have an 88 DX. I jumped the wire on the wheel well like is instructed. When I aim the light, if i align the mark with the middle mark, it runs fine idle, but very sluggish in acceleration, if I goto the first mark (the one on the left) it runs better. This is the part that gets me though, if I turn the distributor all the way, it runs a lot better, which is way off any of the marks. I figured possibly I'm a tooth off on the TB, so I moved it and it ran like crap, so I moved it back the other way, ran like crap again. So I put it back where it was, with the distributor turned all the way, and it seems like it would run better if I could go just a tad more. I hope this makes sense. This just doesnt' seem right to me, what could the problem be?

Oz

Line up the pointers with the red mark on the crank pulley. The timing should be -16-20° BTDC at 675-750 rpm. Check for a jumped/slipped timing belt..

Line up the pointers with the red mark on the crank pulley. The timing should be -16-20° BTDC at 675-750 rpm. Check for a jumped/slipped timing belt..

Line up the pointers with the red mark on the crank pulley. The timing should be -16-20° BTDC at 675-750 rpm. Check for a jumped/slipped timing belt..

My pully has no colors on it, I checked for that already. I only have notches. Which mark is red? And as I already stated, I've checked for jumped/slipped timing belt.

Oz

Alright thanks. Now I know it's supposed to be the middle mark, which is what I've been trying to get it at. Still doesn't explain why can't get it to run right when it's on there. Oh well, at least it's running halfway decent.

Oz