Total timing chain free play should be no more than 2 degrees (4 degrees total) in either direction. As mentioned, 14 degrees, is way too much slop. Also, most major problems with those older distributors is excessive wear on the bushings that hold the shaft. As they age, insufficient oil gets to the top (upper) bushing and it tends to wear. You can test it by moving the shaft where the rotor sits, back and forth (not in a rotating motion), but side to side.. If there is any free play, the bushings are worn. This condition will drastically affect the point gap when the engine is running, causing spark variation. Hope this helps.