MG Car Repair: 74 midget distributor, timing light, stampings

Question
The housing broke on my original 74. I ordered a rebuild. I installed it and the engine would run at idle but would stall on acceleration. I took both distributors apart and found the original has 18 degrees stamped on the centrifugal timing control. the rebuild has 10 degrees    stamped on it.The rebuild is a 69. what does do the stampings mean. Thanks

Answer
Hi Rob,
The difference in degrees of advance will make a difference in performance but not what you are talking about. You have something else wrong. First connect a timing light to the ignition to see if you are loosing ignition on acceleration.
Howard