Cam timing

I just refreshed the block with new bearings, rings and valves. Head was checked for leaks since its cracked and its fine. I pull everything together and no compression.... My timing seems to be incorrect, i can't find my error! Cyl number one is at top at tdc, cam dowel pin is up with the cam sprocket aligned with 1 at top. Either my Haynes is full of bullshit or i missed something. All my marks are aligned. It only does backfires at WOT when im starting, due to no compression

Help me out pls

Did you make sure you're at tdc of the compression stroke?

Yup, its up. The only possible thing left is an incorrect timing i believe. I'll try different positions with my cam sprocket tomorrow, im done 4 today cause my hood felt on my head while working...

there should be an arrow at the top of the distributor housing that would point to where the #1 on the cam sprocket should be pointing at. This is TDC for the valves. Even if it was a cracked head, there would still be 'some' compression, not zero. something isn't lined up properly.

A tad later, the truck started, wire 3 and 4 weren't in their right place on the distributor.... My compression gage is somehow not working properly even if we use them we rebuilding engines at school. Started like a brand new, now it smokes like a vtec and my oil pressure is lower then before, need to see if its my head gasket, oil rings or something else. Don't by ebay rings if their not guaranteed!!!! LOL

did you get a new oil pump or at the very least take off that backing plate and clean out all the gunk on the gear inside?