Trouble Timing my 340

Sounds like the weights are all the way out at 1,200

Stretching the springs over did it

Forget about the vacuum advance for right now - my engine doesn't even use one.

That engine will run much better at 34 degrees, if the weights do close once the engine is shut off, set it for 34 revving it at 3,000 rpm - just the make certain the weights are all out--you did gun it to 4,500 or so to make certain the weights aren't sticking.

I like wearing gun shooting muffs around my ears to lessen the noise

It might work fine, my old dist came all in by 1,500 and stayed there pretty much at idle and the weights back off so the engine would start easy.

If you sure the weights are all out at 1,200 then again, rev it to 2,500 - 3,000 and set it for 34. It will idle better and once settled down, shut it off and re start, if it doesn't kick the start back, its test drive time if those valves are set right - it has adjustable rockers ?