Dwell setting 1966 327 Chevy
05-26-2018, 10:02 PM
#1
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Dwell setting 1966 327 Chevy
Advantage/Disadvantage of Higher or Lower Dwell setting than recommended 30 degrees. Engine starts quickly when cold, but requires long cranking and sluggish start when hot. Once read that an easier hot start dwell setting would decrease top end high speed/pickup which I don't need at my age.? Which direction from normal 30 deg. would rob HP but provide an easier warm eng. start?
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05-27-2018, 06:37 AM
#2
Team Owner
Your timing may be retarded or you have corroded/old/deteriorated battery or starter cables... You will get no 'seat of the pants' change in performance by playing with the dwell if you drive the car as you say...
Dwell is part of the ignition system ....it won't solve slow cranking.....
Dwell is part of the ignition system ....it won't solve slow cranking.....
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 05-27-2018 at 06:41 AM.
05-27-2018, 07:15 AM
#3
Race Director
I think perhaps you are confusing the effects of dwell with that of initial timing?
As FtF says, changing the dwell will not result in the changes you are seeking. Dwell duration changes the amount of spark energy build up in the coil .
Initial spark timing - the number of degrees advanced before top dead center (BTDC) - will effect changes you are seeking. Less advance - say for example 8* vs 12* - would make for easier hot starting but somewhat less fuel economy and top end horse power.
What is your initial timing set at now? Too much initial advance can cause hard starting.
As FtF says, changing the dwell will not result in the changes you are seeking. Dwell duration changes the amount of spark energy build up in the coil .
Initial spark timing - the number of degrees advanced before top dead center (BTDC) - will effect changes you are seeking. Less advance - say for example 8* vs 12* - would make for easier hot starting but somewhat less fuel economy and top end horse power.
What is your initial timing set at now? Too much initial advance can cause hard starting.
Last edited by tuxnharley; 05-27-2018 at 09:52 AM.
05-27-2018, 07:18 AM
#4
Race Director
Agree with Frankie - dwell has some slight affect on initial timing but within the acceptable range of adjustment it's pretty minor - would not expect it to affect starting. On GM cars with the points with screw-adjustable points I always set right on the specs. On cars with trial and error points setting I usually hoped to hit a dwell on the slightly low side of the spec (wider point gap) in case of any wear and gap loss.
05-27-2018, 08:18 AM
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I don't think the OP has a dwell problem. I think he has a carburetor/fuel problem. That's what I read anyway.
05-27-2018, 08:23 AM
#6
Team Owner
The OP should add more info.....
05-27-2018, 04:03 PM
#8
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Not a dwell problem. Leave the dwell at specs. I agree with Mike....long cranking times when hot translate to fuel boil-off in the carb(s) as the most likely culprit.