I will have to disagree on the placement of dist drive gear. I thought that also quite a few years back. If the slot is not line up straight (slot front-back)and the # 1 is not in the position it is called for on the dist. cap it will crank up and run but not right.
I know you may not think this will help,but it will only take you a few mins. to try this.
If anyone else is not running theirs timed this way,try it and if does not run better feel free to send me all the Hate mail you want.