Update: sorry, good news and bad news....
I replaced the distributor and continued to have problems getting it timed right. The old distributor was definitely in need of rebuild so I don't feel bad having the new unit.
Tried resetting the position to no avail. Next step was to check the cam timing. I pulled it apart tonight, and it is lined up per spec, exactly. And the damper was fine as well. I am going to spend some time cleaning up everything as I reassemble, so it may be a day or two, considering my booked schedule, before I take another whack at resetting the dist. I have the engine set at absolutely TDC, so it will help in the dist. reset.
Could my problem be in the wiring somehow? The wiring is pretty cheesey, but it did run great before the "mechanic" took it apart for the original repair. Any suggestions in that area (short of rewiring the whole car)?
Thanks again for all the help.
Roger
