Timing - what am I doing wrong?
 

I've set timing before and it seemed right, but today, I just can't get it. I gapped the points with my feeler, setting the basic dwell at 44 degrees. I can see all markings on my impellor. I've disconnected adv/ret hoses. With engine idling, I can advance timing enough to see red mark (27deg), but I can't back it off enough without stalling to get red to stay at 3500 rpm - hell, I rarely even see red mark on revup or down. HELP PLEASE

Well, I don't know exactly what changed, but perseverance pays. Cranky ***** finally timed.