thanks - I am starting to understand - I assume this concept work on old tractors - I also have a 50's International Harvestor tractor my son is working on - I am hoping I can use what I am learning on that

back to my issue - I have the gap set, and firing order - but the I can't get the timing right - the distributor won't advance or retard enough either way for rotor to be in the direction of the cap contacts, when they are in the open position.

that is why I think I have set the distributor incorrectly or perhaps the oil pump is set wrong...

thanks again for your help!