( Posted for whatever value it may have to someone. )

About a week and a half ago I posted a "277 run problem".   I had worked on the engine during the winter and this was to be first flight but after about 1 minute the RPMs dropped WAY down and the engine eventually quit.  I was able to get the engine to run a little but experienced "backfires" through the carb.  I received a number of suggestions and the correct one was related to timing. 

Upon examining the timing I found the points opened about 1/2" late from the timing mark on the fan.  Apparently I hadn't gotten the points retaining screw tight enough and they "slipped".  This time I really "leaned on it" and added loctite.  Now it runs fine. 

However the episode had an added unfortunate incident.  See another post "277 prop question".
 
Jim H.