need 440 timing help asap please

[challngd73]

Ok, I had my timing set at 10 btdc a couple weeks ago.  I noticed the car has been running progressively worse.  Checked the timing and it was at 20 btdc.  I loosened the distributor bolt, and apparently it moved the distributor just enough where the car will not start...just ticks...which caused me to move the distributor a little more to get it in the right spot, which im sure just made things worse, so here i am with the car unable to start. 
  So, what can cause timing to go from 10, to 20 over such a short period of time, and two, how can i get this thing started again so I can set the timing.  any help is as always appreciated.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

What do you mean by "just ticks"? Is the engine trying to turn over, or is the engine not turning at all?  It's incredibly tough to mess with the timing without the engine running because just a slight movement means many degrees of advance or retarding of the timing. As for what could cause this, I'm not sure but is this distributor relatively new? Maybe a worn gear in it.   

[challngd73]

Ok, frustration clouded my mind for a moment, I realized my battery is going south and I jumped the car to get it running enough to set the timing again...but one trip down the road and it is again way off.  I have no idea the age of the distributor, as it was in the car when I bought it.  Just trying to find the probable answer so I dont have to waste money on something I dont need to.

[Chryco Psycho]

timing at 20 BTDC IS ok or at least in the zone , I often set it as high as 16 * , if it runs well I doubt there is a problem with the dist , a loose timing chain could cause it to move , you usually can move the crank & feel when the cam load is added to see how loose the chain si

[challngd73]

timing at 20 BTDC IS ok or at least in the zone , I often set it as high as 16 * , if it runs well I doubt there is a problem with the dist , a loose timing chain could cause it to move , you usually can move the crank & feel when the cam load is added to see how loose the chain si

There doesnt seem to be any slop with moving the crank.  I just dont understand how it changes 10 degrees, w/out the distributor moving.  I noticed the difference from 10 to 20...at cruising speed there is a surge, or something similar..you can feel the car sputter then surge, then sputter.  At full throttle I dont notice much of a proble, it runs strong.

[usraptr]

Are you checking the timing again AFTER you tighten down the clamp nut? While tightening the bolt down, I've had it move the distributor and change the timing.  Just a thought.

[challngd73]

Are you checking the timing again AFTER you tighten down the clamp nut? While tightening the bolt down, I've had it move the distributor and change the timing.  Just a thought.

Yeah, I double checked it after the bolt was tightened.

[Strawdawg]

sounds like a problem in the distributor.  Take it apart and see if the plate is moving properly without undue play, rusty, or a spring problem.