<VV> 65 Turbo Timing Problem

[michael cassera]

I'm having an interesting problem with my 65 Corsa 180.

Recently I mentioned having misfiring problems after a long (140m) drive 
weekend to the Corvair Gathering in Mesqite.  The problem turned out to be 
a malfuntioning spark plug.  My guess is that I didn't tighten the plug 
enough causing it to overheat during the drive.  The head temperature was 
reading 500 degrees over the course of the trip.

During the process of fixing the problem, I replaced several ignition 
parts that I wanted to replace anyway.  They include, wires, distributer 
cap, flamethrower coil, ignitor electronic ignition and of course AC 44f 
plugs.  

When I replaced the points with the ignitor ignition, I checked the timing 
to make sure everything was working well.  For some reason, the timing was 
set to 16 degrees.  I had checked the timing a few months ago when the 
points were still installed and it read 24 degrees.  I assumed that 
changing from point to the ignitor had changed the timing so I didn't 
think much of it.  I went to adjust the timing.  The problem is that even 
when I turned the distributor all the way to the stop counter clockwise 
the best I can get on the timing is about 20 degrees.  

Is there a possibility that the pressure retard has failed?  How would you 
test that?  I was also considering getting the Advance/Retard unit by 
Dale 
Manufacturing.  It's not tragic that the timing is retarded a little bit 
to help with spark detonation when I boost, but I would rather have things 
to spec if possible.

Any ideas?


Thanks,

Michael
65 Corsa Turbo.  (Still a newbe)