My 4ac is missing/sputtering?

[BlackStar]

So i adjusted the air fuel, and the popping is gone form idle. vacuum reads at 18, still a slightly shaky needle, but doesn't deviate from 18.

at 2k-3k rpms, its still there. I noticed something today. The haynes manual says to check the centrifugal advance on the distributor, pull it clockwise, and it will return to its normal settings. I did so, and my doesn't return back at all. Could be the cause of my problems. Now either take it apart, or just replace the whole thing.

[dr.occa]

Without proper timing you will get sputtering and popping due to poor ignition of the mixture.

[BlackStar]

seeing in my other thread that my mechanical advance isn't working, i'll rebuild it and see if my car improves. The timing is at the stock timing mark, but the dizzy's internals could be preventing it from properly advancing. I'll also recheck the exhaust for leaks.