At least you found the issue.
Make sure that you check the new distributor before you put it in.
You will at least want to know how it was set up new.
I have found distributors where the spring length is too long new. It's like they put in the wrong springs.
You want the limiting tab to be against the wall of the travel slot and be able to travel the entire length of the slot. That is the mechanism that controls the entire amount of mechanical advance the distributor delivers.
The springs control the rate of advance. If the springs are not the right length then they counter act that mechanism.
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