P0017 How do I rotate cam so the slots line up and stays in that position? LT 1.8L

What am I doing wrong? I replaced the entire timing kit, including both sprocket gears. This'll be the 4th time I tear it back down bc I keep getting P0017. Sure enough, the cam locking tool won't fit in the slot bc the exhaust cam is of center . I keep rotating it so it lines up, insert the locking tool, but it won't stay. When I remove the locking tool the cam pops itself back out of line. How do I get it to stay aligned?? Also, the cams don't rotate freely. They turn in "steps" or "lunges", not sure how to describe it. Anyway, the correct position for proper alignment lands in between a step. It won't stay put! How do I rotate exhaust cam so the slots line up and stays in that position when I remove the tool?