So I just finished rebuilding my 2003 3.0 v6 Vulcan that goes in a 2003 ford ranger edge 2wd. I put the engine and transmission in, plugged in everything, and put everything together. So I went to start it after the rebuild and it was backfiring and almost sounded like trying to start a high compression engine, however it was bored 20 over and I am using normal 20 over dome top pistons from enginetech. anyway, after further testing, I figured out that it was most likely a timing issue so I am wondering did I install the camshaft position sensor (CMP) in wrong?
The way I installed it is I put the engine at TDC on compression stroke on #1 piston, and I made sure that the "tab" on the sensor that spines was in the center of the "window" on the housing of the sensor. so I put it on and tried to start it and I got backfiring and all sorts of wired stuff happening while I tried to start it. later I tried to turn the housing clockwise but just a little, tried to start it and it did start but it ran rough and it shook alot. So I thought maybe that I had turned it too much so I turned it back a little, tried it and it started but wouldn't idle.
So my question for yall is do I have to install it a certain amount of degrees away from the centerline of the engine? what do I need to know how to install it? I also have no service manual. I am going to get the tool and the number is 303-589 so if I can get help please help me.

By the way, when people say TDC on the vibration damper, do they mean the actual TDC mark or the 0 mark engraved on the balancer?
my balancer is the type with the rubber damper on the inside

 

ok so I got the tool, installed the CMP, and it does not need to be at a certain degree from the engine centerline
so it runs good but it does not idle, and you have to crank and crank before it will start. it did not have this problem before, however all my parts sat on a shelf for a while before I got the engine together so I will clean the MAF, IAC, and check the throttle position sensor.