Timing marks/questions, 1994 3.0L montero

Hi. I replaced head gaskets, and am pretty sure everything went back together according to the Haynes book. I set all 3 marks (1994 3.0L) with a new T-belt and rotated the crank 2 turns CW as instructed and rechecked the marks before tightening the tensioner. I verified the rotor was at No. 1 when inserting. I have fuel and at least some spark, as it spits and sputters while trying to start, almost as if its out of time. Interestingly, the dist contacts and rotor (new about 1000 mi ago and cleaned during head gasket work) show some carbon on them after trying to start - perhaps the spark is jumping too far?

Last night I took the front end apart again and checked again that the timing marks align perfectly. The timing IS off...changing the cam/crank alignments a notch makes a difference in the truck wanting to start. The truck spits more with the cams/crank NOT aligned with the factory marks. (For the crank, I've got the serp pulley off and am using the cast aluminum "vee" that extends out from the block. There's a red dot one tooth CCW from that mark...?) I checked (and changed, and changed again) the rotor position relative to no 1 cyl with minimal result.

Questions...has anyone found the factory marks to NOT align for proper timing? I beleive the motor was changed for a used motor at one time. Would a non-94 crank or cam s[procket have timing marks in the same location as the 1994 3.0L? Any suggestions are appreciated (except that I buy a better manual).

Thanks,

-Keith

on my 92 3.0 with all timing marks aligned the rotor in the dist. had to be facing the front of the motor not towards the #1 spark plug. try this and see it it works

Thanks...I actually got it a month or so ago, and it was just about exactly what you'd said. I was foolishly pointing the rotor towards the #1 spark plug conn on top of the cap, not the #1 electrode inside the cap. Fixed that and it started right up, then I just felt like...:banghead: