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?

[VaccaRabite]

I suspect you have a configuration error.

What are the results from a compression test? (this will tell if your valves are so misadjusted that they stay open a touch) My guess is that you will have little to no compression, with gaps opening further as the engine heats up. Anyway ,its a theory. The engine needs the extra advance to get going when cold, but then the small leaks become larger leaks that more advance cant fix and the engine dies.

Have you ever adjusted your valves?

Zach