[drolston]

Good refresher.
Probably worth noting that modern gas is less prone to pre-ignition (pinging), so the "brake" can be adjusted to a light touch, just enough to damp or stabilize movement of the breaker plate. If you get a bit of pinging just as you open the throttle, but which goes away as the engine responds, you might go in one turn on the brake adjustment screw and try again. If the pinging continues after the initial throttle movement, you might need to back down one degree at a time (half a mark) on the timing screw.

If you are not sure what pre-ignition sounds like, advance timing one mark (move the little plate down) and road test. Just floor it as you get into second gear and listen to the engine. Repeat the advance until it "pings". It is a rapid rattle or knocking sound. Then back down on timing one mark (two degrees) and be sure the pinging is alleviated. This is the old school method of setting timing, and has the advantage of taking in all factors, such as fuel mixture, engine compression, altitude, etc.