H Timing Checking Problem

We restored my 44 H about a year ago. Haven't driven it much, just a half dozen times, but we've noticed it does not seem to run as smoothly as it should. This was a major restoration, including needing to rebore the block, install larger pistons, etc. New bearings, new valves and more. So today we decided to check the timing.

We marked the first notch on the pulley (plus the pointer) with a little white, so we could see them better. Then, using a timing light, we started it up and took a look. Without changing the distributor, the light showed the notch about a couple inches short of the pointer. We tried rotating the distributor, and the closer we got the notch toward the pointer, the worse it ran--like it was struggling under load. When the notch matched the pointer, it was actually lugging down to the point of almost quitting. So we moved it back to the original position where it runs reasonably, like before.

Any ideas on what's happening here? Shouldn't it be running right in time and smoothly when the notch matches the pointer? What are we missing or doing wrong?

Thanks in advance.
 

First make sure the distributor is in good shape(bushing, advance, etc)

The set the timing by the book. No timing light needed.

You are trying to time it with advance engaged.
 
First check the points gap is correct.
Second, check static timing.

It is possible to get the distributor setup incorrect on the distributor drive gear - part number 16 in the diagram.
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Details to check all this

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SadFarmall
 
remove # 1 spark plug.
wad up a piece of paper towel or rag and stuff it lightly into the spark plug hole
bump the starter , until the rag/paper flies out.
take engine crank and turn engine until mark on crank shaft wheel comes to the pointer.

mark the location of # 1 SPARK plug tower/wire onto the side of the distributor
remove distributor cap and rotor button and dust cover
replace the rotor button
does the rotor button point towards the mark that you made on the side of the distributor.?
if not, loosen and move until it does. then fasten down.
 
When light flashes before notch gets to pointer that shows advanced timing, notch after pointer is retarded time. First set static time then check to see if the advance in distributor is working. watch the light at idle and and then start speeding engine up. As RPM increases the notch should start being more distance from pointer when flash. If distributor has the original H advance the notch will be 40 degrees before the pointer when wide open. Could be changed in the past to 22 degrees at wide open though. Unless the advance springs and other parts of advance system are in good condition and you can get a slow idle of around 400 RPM or lower on engine it's hard to time notch at pointer with a light. You were probably getting the time slow when you moved notch to pointer. Cant remember without looking it up, but there is a formula for finding and marking degrees on the pulleys by measuring pulley size.
 
Sounds like timing.

I once bought an H that just didn't settle down and run a smooth as you'd expect. I tore my hair out getting there, but the bottom line was the distributor drive gear was off one cog.
 
I time mine by ear, wide open throttle move to max RPM, if lopes at idle then back it off a little.
 

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