85 head replacement-timing/vac issue?

[shwambo]

I recently replaced the head on my 85/4x4/22re/auto pickup (old was cracked), and since its replacement have installed new plugs/wires and spent many hours attempting to get it to run smoothly with no success. She will run, but only in park/neutral and at 15+ deg. advance timing and only at sig. higher (best guess almost 2000) rpm than normal idle. The vacuum lines are in place as best I can tell from the fsm, but may be off as the diagrams are less than clear. Timing chain should be right, everything was lined up as normal unless there is some trick to these engines that I'm not aware of. A compression test would probably be a good place to start but the former owner jacked up the threads for the spark plugs(though it doesnt seem to be losing compression there at least) so I would like to avoid that pain and suffering. Any ideas? Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks in advance guys

[fourwd1]

My guess would be the TC or distrib is off a tooth or two.
Was cyl #1 @ TDC when you put them on?

[shwambo]

yes sir, checked and double checked

[ToyotaMike]

Yeah it's off a tooth. I'll put money on it. Easy to test just pull dist cap, pull the bolt, pull the dist out a little and rotate it the proper direction to advance your timing.

[mississippimud]

Might check the throttle position sensor also. They do screwy things sometimes. If the timing is correct that would be my next step. You can check it with an ohmeter. If you have a manual its a very simple task.

Later