I have this situation.

The engine is popping through the exhaust at idle and decel. I have read that this indicates retarded exhaust timing. I recently changed over to pt cruiser adjusters. All timing marks aligned as per factory manual both before and after running. Timing seemed to be more touchy than before and starting from cold the engine struggled to run until I gave it more throttle after which it idled properly once some heat built in the engine. On the street the car performs well. I suspect that the cam is off by one tooth. If you agree, then I need to move the cam one way or the other but I am confused as to which way to turn it. I have the cam tensioner tool so I should be able to do this without removing all the front dress on the engine.
So, which way should I turn the cam, clockwise or counter clockwise?

clockwise would advance the cam
counter clock wise will retard it

When you got the timing marks set did you use a mirror to check the camshaft sprocket marks/arrows were dead-on aligned with the seam line in the cylinder head ?

my cam gear has an oval slot that when I completed the work was pointed straight up in li e with the top rib on the valve cover. I didn't look at the parting line on the head but I will double check. Because nothing else changed except the adjusters, it's either them or the timing. Has anyone else had this experience with pt adjusters?

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Thanks!

Well, Checked it out this afternoon. Sure enough, the cam gear needed to be moved clockwise two teeth. Got it back together and tested it. Runs like it should, needed retiming and the cold stumble and struggling idle are good. Thank you or pointing me in the right direction.
Jeff

Congrats!

Thanks Miles.