Rick, I used an advanced timing gun set it at 10* @500 rpm engaged. The indicator pin is dead center of the dimple marked L. Then @ 3,200 rpm with the gun set to 28* the indicator is still dead center of the dimple.
I do not use the digitally advancing timing lights. One user or equipment error, and your advance may be off!
I use a standard strobe style timing light.
I mark off the harmonic balancer up to 35 degrees BTDC.
Then I strobe the marks and look at BASE advance, and then I increase RPM as to see the progressive and total advance
This way I can see Real Degrees in Real Time, and with very little likelihood of errors.
On a different note I'm still running a temp of 140 at idle and 210-215 at 3,200 rpm pulling two tubes. it doesn't climb past that just stays there.
If your reading is accurate, that is far too hot!
I would take an Infra Red heat gun out with you as to verify.
Someone mentioned it could be the bushing that is on the foot where the grease fitting is having some wear in it causing the pump to loose prime. I don't know!
You lost me on that one!