timing advice needed

[nrxx]

Hi
Just replaced the vacuum advance on my '87 1.9 DG and slightly confused by the timing. I've read the WIKI but feeling a bit dense. I had to start somewhere so checked for true TDC to calibrate the pulley timing notch and then marked up + and - 5, 10 to 14 and 24 to 28degrees. With static set at 5deg (vac detached and plugged), the mechanical advance seems pretty good. When I reconnect the vac the advance heads up to c38 to 40deg @4200. Is this normal and should I aim to get the advance right with the vac advance connected?
Thanks
Nick

[Aidan]

you do the timing with vacuum off, the carb is not zero pressure at idle, so you will experience a change in engine note as you reconnect the vacuum line, remember to block the vacuum hose to prevent air leak while timing, I find a golf tee just the job
the reported advance you are getting sounds bang on which it should be with new unit

[nrxx]

Cheers Aidan, appreciated!

Nick