how far should i advance the timing? all the way?
If the chain is worn enough to skip a tooth causing your problem, it wont be too long before it breaks. Which if it breaks, you are looking at a lot more issues than just the timing.
Have you checked/inspected the timing chain yet, or checked/adjusted the valves, inspected the spark plugs, cap & rotor, and plug wire, etcs.? You need to make sure everything else in in proper working order before adjusting the timing. If you don't know how to do this type of service, the FSM posted above will all but hold your hand through the process.
