Static timing 73 1.7, Doing something wrong Options

[EJP914]

I am attempting to static time my car after a local shop had it for 4 months and did not fix it.
I am following these abbreviated instructions…
Remove cap, rotor points to #1 on the cap.
Using a 12v test light with clip end to ground and pointy end to the neg side of the coil.
Loosen dizzy clamp bolt. Turn on ignition.
Rotate dizzy clockwise until test light goes out.
Turn back counterclockwise (the direction the rotor spins) until light goes back on.
Tighten clamp, etc.
Sounds ample enough.

I can turn the distributor quite a ways clockwise and the test light never goes out.
Why would that be?
Also, doesn’t the rotor turn clockwise?
.
Would appreciate any directions, help and criticism. Even simple electronics baffle me.
Thanks
EJP914

[Jack Standz]

Guessing it's a point type distributor?

Just a guess, but maybe the points are are not opening/closing because they aren't tightened down nor adjusted correctly?

BTW, do not assume the distributor is installed correctly. Start by putting the motor at TDC on the compression stroke for the #1 cylinder. Then make sure the distributor is set to fire on #1. Check that you're getting a good spark too.

Then you can set the point gap or even better use a dwell meter to set the dwell. Or even better use an electronic distributor/conversion.