hiya,
check first if you have contact breakers (points) the distributor or if you have electronic induction. Because if you have points you'll need to adjust them _before_ adjusting ignition. As well the only thing that explains ignition getting out of whack are broken parts or misadjusted/worn points
for this. switch off engine, get rid of distributor cap and look under the rotor. On the base plate you either have a metal piece with a spring that is supposed to open and close or you have an electronic hookup there. Let us know.
that's what points look like:
if you have them let us know:
timing for newbees
