distributor stupid question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
distributor stupid question
sorry for this really stupid question, but i want to check the dwell on my points dist.
The primary wire that the dwell meter connects to, is this the wire coming out of the bottom of the dist that connects to the negative terminal on the coil? this is the only wire coming out of my dis.
('72 coupe that i'm having lots of fun with, just purchased last mo.)
The primary wire that the dwell meter connects to, is this the wire coming out of the bottom of the dist that connects to the negative terminal on the coil? this is the only wire coming out of my dis.
('72 coupe that i'm having lots of fun with, just purchased last mo.)
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,379
Likes: 6,390
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Yes, the dwell meter "+" wire connects to the wire going from the coil "-" side to the distributor. The dwell meter "-" wire connects to ground.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Originally Posted by kb2fzq
Man, I had to think about that question...I haven't used a dwell meter in (literally) 3 decades... 
Using the 1/4 inch allen, turn the screw in the points CLOCKWISE with the motor at idle. Turn clockwise until the motor misfires, or stalls whichever comes first.
Then go COUNTERCLOCKWISE exactly 1/2 turn and you will be at perfect 30* dwell.
Compare it against your dwell meter if you want but it works!
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Snellville Georgia
Originally Posted by SanDiegoPaul
I can tell you a trick from my very FIRST years as a GM tech - when all cars had points.
Using the 1/4 inch allen, turn the screw in the points CLOCKWISE with the motor at idle. Turn clockwise until the motor misfires, or stalls whichever comes first.
Then go COUNTERCLOCKWISE exactly 1/2 turn and you will be at perfect 30* dwell.
Compare it against your dwell meter if you want but it works!
Using the 1/4 inch allen, turn the screw in the points CLOCKWISE with the motor at idle. Turn clockwise until the motor misfires, or stalls whichever comes first.
Then go COUNTERCLOCKWISE exactly 1/2 turn and you will be at perfect 30* dwell.
Compare it against your dwell meter if you want but it works!
rt
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,379
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From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
rt -
Your dwell is perfect - don't change a thing.
A Mallory Dual Point distributor has (obviously) two sets of points. You have to disconnect or disable each set, and then set the dwell on the opposite set. The dwell on each set is 26 degrees. When both sets are set to 26 independently and then run together, dwell of a dual point will be 33 to 34 degrees. So your dwell is exactly what it should be - don't touch it!
Your dwell is perfect - don't change a thing.
A Mallory Dual Point distributor has (obviously) two sets of points. You have to disconnect or disable each set, and then set the dwell on the opposite set. The dwell on each set is 26 degrees. When both sets are set to 26 independently and then run together, dwell of a dual point will be 33 to 34 degrees. So your dwell is exactly what it should be - don't touch it!
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Snellville Georgia
thanks
Lars,
I appreciate your input. I found the Mallory tech web site last night and they confirmed from questions asked and answered to leave well enough alone. 33 degress is correct for that distributor, but the tech responder said in several responses to set the points at .022.
I have read many of your posts and your knowledge is much appreciated. I spent the day yesterday working on resetting the passengar car window. It is all fun!
rt
I appreciate your input. I found the Mallory tech web site last night and they confirmed from questions asked and answered to leave well enough alone. 33 degress is correct for that distributor, but the tech responder said in several responses to set the points at .022.
I have read many of your posts and your knowledge is much appreciated. I spent the day yesterday working on resetting the passengar car window. It is all fun!
rt
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,379
Likes: 6,390
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
rt -
He's saying the same thing. You can set the points to .022 gap, and that will produce 26 degrees dwell. Setting the points with a dwell meter is more accurate, since it eliminates the variable of "feel" of the feeler gauge drag through the open points. But don't confuse point gap with point dwell, as the two numbers are not the same.
Note also, for others reading this, that on a stock single-point system, a .022" gap will not produce the correct dwell. On a single-point system, a gap of .016" will give you dwell of about 30 degrees.
He's saying the same thing. You can set the points to .022 gap, and that will produce 26 degrees dwell. Setting the points with a dwell meter is more accurate, since it eliminates the variable of "feel" of the feeler gauge drag through the open points. But don't confuse point gap with point dwell, as the two numbers are not the same.
Note also, for others reading this, that on a stock single-point system, a .022" gap will not produce the correct dwell. On a single-point system, a gap of .016" will give you dwell of about 30 degrees.
