Trouble setting timing on front distributor

The Centrifugal Advance assy can be checked by holding the drive side and turning the rotor CCW, it should rotate ~ 24 deg under increasing spring tension. Releasing the rotor should result in the rotor returning to its relaxed (static) position. The wear on my tractor is around the relaxed (static) position. You should be able to feel the slop (spring tension/no tension) which will result in the timing been more retarded (shaft is allowed to turn more CW) than normal. If you compensate for the wear by rotating the breaker plate CW then the running/operating timing will be wrong...

The other consideration is that the replacement Points are not in Spec.... I would try the old points to see if you get the same results

Note: the timing screw should be in and tight…. it’s “the” good electrical ground for the points plate.

Hope This Helps,

Les, TN

Holding the distro in front of ya (looking at the rear) with the coil hold-down bail pointed north, the wide side of the shaft should also be on the north side (camshaft engagement tang offset toward the south). The offset's not real obvious so ya may have jest got er off 180°. Easy ta do when yer fiddlin with the straightedge and such like.

My advance plate is all the way to the top (fully advanced) and it's "perfect."

Wouldn't worry about a little shaft endplay. As long as it doen't wobble around side-to-side in the bushing (bushing worn too far out). That'll mess up yer timing.

You say you've replaced points, but did not mention any other tuneup things. First, with your 7/16" advance,check for whiteish/blue spark. If you don't have it, check the remainder of your tune-up items: condensor, coil, rotor, cap, plugs, etc. AND your electrical connections AND your switch. Any degradation of these items or a comination of any will cause starting problems. If spark is whitiesh/blue, then I'd suspect a fuel/air mixture problem.

DON'T go messin' with the carb right away though. Check fuel screens and other first.

Merry Xmas!