[kwmech]

Roll the engine to top dead center with the timing mark at 12 0'clock as you stated. Then remark the balancer with paint to match the indicator at zero, vacuum hose removed. Vacuum to the dist should be ported. Set your timing at 8 degrees then see how it runs. Adjustment from there may or may not be necessary. Sounds like you are guessing at the moment. High idle after the adjustment may be a small vacuum leak