This method has worked for me : Phase your rotor without using timing control, with a hole in the cap. I found my MP Mallory style distributor has the rotor in line with the spark plug tower at about 30 degrees advance. If it looks good, it is phased.
Then set your initial at 16 degrees. Lock it there. leave the rotor alone . Tell the fitech system your initial is 16. See if it starts. If it does, then confirm that the timing displayed on the fitech handheld, matches your timing light. rev it to about 2000 rpm.. confirm the timing still matches. (I found the 10 degree instructions confusing..)