I would (1) set the initial at 15 with the vac line plugged & (2) set the total (initial+springs with can capped) at 36 to 38 with the FBO $25 plate (by far the best bang for the buck to do this) then replug in the can. this will get you moderately close to ideal then you can continue searching for the problem (& fine tune the timing totally dead on later). Sounds like you have a dialback, if so, if you turn the knob till the timing mark (slit on the dampener) is back on zero at the tab then where the dial is at is what the timing is (turn dist/repeat till the knob is at 15 with the mark "showing" at TDC zero). You may wanna play with the springs.