Hi Guys
What are you trying to set the distributor timing to TDC, 5degrees before TDC? Not sure what the Canadian 235 is intended for, my 1960 manual US truck manual
http://www.canadianmilitarypattern.c...e%20Manual.htm suggest that it should be 5 BTDC. With the vacuum line disconnected and the cover open on the manifold, not sure what this last bit means. I have not posted section 7 of the manual but I will this week.
When it is running with the vacuum line disconnected does the timing advance when you speed up? Had a problem with one distributor that the mechanical advance stopped working. In my case it was mud wasps that had gotten in through the hole in the bottom of the distributor and plugged things up. Quick check of the mechanical advance is to remove the distributor cap and gently twist the rotor it should move a few degrees and when released should spring back. Also had a problem with a vacuum diaphragm failing.
Cheers Phil