83 2.8L 4x4 carb problems?

ok I bought this truck thinking that the poping noise comming from the top of the motor was the carb being completely screwed. However after installing a new carb the poping noise was still there. I then thought well may be head probs but am not sure. I took the valecovers off and checked the rockers. 6 out of the 5 were loose. Should they be lose? I know very little about heads. could this noise be caised by something else. Out of time maybe? I am not sure. Would be greatful for any help.

I forgot to mention that before the carb replacment it would stummble and die once and a while. Agter the carb replacement it still soed it but the carb has not been adjusted yet.

The poping noise is followed by a little puff of fuel/air mixture coming from the carb. Also the radiator was about half full when i bought the truck.

the spitting back through carb sounds like maybe timing is way off or maybe plug wire arcing, a bad carb will make one do all kinds of weird stuff, especially the electronic feed back carbs, they were the biggest problem i had on a 84 z28 i owned...i had it re built, bought remanufactuered ones at autozone ect....not a one lasted more then a yr or so....i would suggest let someone else look at it and then carry it to a shop if all else fails....

ok well you were part right, took it to a shop and they said that the timing gears were worn the chain was strecthed, the lifters were bad, the cam had flat spots, and to top it all off the cam had wallered the block out really bad.

thnkas for the help though