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Gary-Post #12 notes that the radiator temp gauges are not always accurate. I agree.
Please get a dial or digital meat thermometer and measure the temperature. Knowing the temperature for sure will help.

Also did you check the lever coming out of the distributor body to make sure that it has full travel and touches each side of the opening when the lever is moved fully both up and down. If that does not have full travel you will have troubles setting the timing correctly. A critical step to have correct before setting the timing.

When searching this site it will not recognize words in you search query that are less than 4 letters. Can make it challenging to find stuff.