Dwell Angle, Timing, and CHT sensor questions, Timing way off (well above 27 Deg) but runs...??? Options

[NJ914]

Looking for inputs from those who know...

Situation: Engine runs but timing is way off. 27 degrees is at 1800rpm[b]. 3500rpm is in the mid to upper 30's. When attempting to adjust the distributor to spec, engine dies. Only runs at higher timing angle. Not sure what the cause is.

1: Distributor gap is currently at 0.018" and dwell is 50-51 degrees through speed range.
Per the Haynes book, 1 degree of dwell can change the timing by 3 degrees.
Spec is 44 to 50 degrees.

Is this correct?

If I open the gap larger to bring the dwell down to 44 degrees, will this help bring the timing closer to spec?

2: Measured the CHT sensor cold and it was 3100 ohms. I believe it is supposed to be more in the 2000 - 2500 ohm range...?

What is the correct range for the CHT sensor cold?

It is supposed to drop below 100 ohms when up to temp. Is this correct?

Could the higher than spec resistance of the CHT sensor be contributing to the timing issue?

[914sgofast2]

I suggest taking the dizzy out of the engine and disassembling and cleaning the mechanical advance weights and the points mounting plates. Sounds like things are not moving as freely as they should if the timing is getting stuck. I would first check that the screws holding down the points are not too long and are hitting the lower plate, and thereby binding up the advance mechanism. I would also check the screw holding the condenser to the dizzy to make sure it is not interfering with the movement of the plates and the arm of the vacuum advance unit as well. The CHT sensor won't affect timing at all; it only affects the fuel mixture. The point dwell you have seems close enough to spec that it should not cause the timing issues you are describing. Lastly, make sure the dizzzy is being held tightly in the engine by the clamp down bracket.