My buddy had this happen to him once. He used one of those timing lights with the knob on the back. Looked legit with a regular light. His was off.
Interesting, sounds like my timing light. I'll try another.
Your running MSD, correct... MSD even suggest to not use a dial back light... I have seen them off but some guys say they work fine.... myself I use the Flaming River 1001 https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fla-fr1001/overview/