I thought I would try to adjust the timing today on my 71 by using a vac gauge (my timing light is broken). I found the dist was turned as far counterclockwise (advanced?) as it would go and the vacuum was a little low, around 15 but fairly steady. Any clockwise movement caused the engine to run rough and then die. I can detect no vac leaks.

Could the dist be off by a tooth or is this within normal setting?

The car, a Satellite, seems a little sluggish and underpowered but this is my first slant six so I have nothing to compare it to. The axle is 2.94.

The timing cannot be set accurately with a vacuum gauge. You need to fix or replace your timing light.

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Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Fix, borrow or get another timing light...
Before moving a tooth on the distributor, try loosening the bolt on the bottom side of the plate, to see if you can get more advance.
DD

Didn't have a clue that bolt was there. I'll give it a try. Thanks.

I do need to get another timing light. Are the ones that show rpm etc. worth the extra money?

I paid $100 for a dial back digital with Tach...As a few local members can vouch it's paid for itself. Between it and a vacc. gauge super tuning an engine is fairly easy...

-D.Idiot

I recently bought an adjustable timing light (made in Taiwan) from Harbor Freight. The light is bright and its calibration is right on; I think it cost ~$25 on sale.

I also bought their CenTech digital tach/dwell (made in China); unfortunately, I've been unable to get it to work very well at all and I'd recommend avoiding it.