to set the tappets correctly - do it dead cold on a sunday morning at 5AM (so your family doesnt bother you)
remove the upper timing belt cover and look at the TDC marks - when the engine is at dead zero TDC1 - set the cyl1 tappets.
rotate the engine so the marks are now at 90 degrees to the original position - set cyl3, rotate another 90 degrees and your marks should be upside down - set cyl 4, rotate another 90 degrees and you should be 90 degrees before TDC1 - set cyl 2.
When you see the cylinder timing at the timing belt side you are dead sure the camshaft ramp is in perfect position for adjustment.
Did you buy a cheapie gauge with only 10 or 12 leaves? Dont do that - get a proper machinist quality gauge with a lot of leaves. When done working with them, spray them with wd40 or similar for storage.