well, I advanced the timing until it got hard to start hot, then I backed it out until it started easier.
hoping that it will help cold starts, as part of my issue (thanks for pointing this out andrew) is that the cummins pump has no cold start advance.
I could pull the pump and retrofit a vw cold start advance mechanism, but it would be far too much work at this point.
andrew also recommended swapping the cummins advance spring for a vw one, but as you can see in this picture, getting it out would mean pulling the pump(because the charger bracket is so close) so I will wait on that too.

also while playing with the timing, I noticed that the rear mounting bolt on the injection pump(the one under the injection lines) had vibrated out, and when tightening the lower bolt on the front of the pump(the stud and nut one) it stripped the treads!


so I need to go out and get some more nuts/bolts to fix them before I drive it anywhere.
even now, however, starting from cold(and hot, just not as bad) it sounds like it is trying to run(not rough like its one cylinder, just not fast enough to keep going) for a while before it fires up
if I stop the starter during this it will die, but if I keep it turning after a few seconds it will fire up.
strange.
also I noticed a few air bubbles in my fuel line after it was running, which might be part of the problem, but it runs so darned good once it starts, im not sure(air in the fuel would make it run like garbage even after start no?)
anyway, got the hood back on, and am fixing my good heater to stick under it(the one there now does not put out as much heat) might even permanently attach it(there is a great space on the passenger frame horn for it to sit)
any pointers or help would be great.
thanks,
-Owen