Timing at least 35 btdc to run

Which engine do you have and which cyl is #1? What type of timing light are you using?

Specifically what type of timing light is it? Is it adjustable (dial/digital)?

Robert,
I was unable to find specifically what the adjustment is for on your timing light. I'd have to guess that it is an advance adjustment that you set for the desired RPM. What do you have it set at? Do you have the instructions for the light?

Make double sure you're connected to the correct spark plug wire as well.

robbied wrote: is it possible that i need to move the ht leads all one hole anti clockwise on the dis cap? would this account for the advance?

Well... not exactly.

Timing diagrams will show firing order with the numbers on the cap in a particular place relative to the engine.

But, the thing is, this can vary depending on how the distributor gear seated on to the camshaft gear. So, the cap posts stay in the same order relative to one another, but the whole business can be rotated a little left or right.

What's important is where the the rotor is pointing when the number one cylinder is at top dead center. This can change a little like I say. Then, whatever post the rotor is pointing two is post #1, then all the other posts get numbered in series down the line.

Long story short, make sure you find the #1 Spark Plug, and use that wire. Obviously, the post that same wire goes to is #1 as well. Just be aware that where that post winds up sitting could be a little different from what you think.

My basic theory is that could be using the wrong wire to determine your timing. Others have said it could be something with the way the settings on the timing light are set up.