Quick Point Gap Setter
 

I found one of these "Quick Point Gap Setters" in some parts I was given. Has anyone used one and how did it work out? What is the point gap after using this tool? I will check it out on a spare distributor maybe tomorrow if I get a chance.

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/s...earcht=A-12198

Must not be a big seller, I notice the price on-line is about ½ what it is in the hardcopy catalog.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

I saw one used while troubleshooting a car at the Old Car Festival. The appeal of it is that you don't have to crank the engine around or loosen the cam to put the rubbing block on the high point of the cam. The cylinder part fits snugly around the cam and the rubbing block sits on the outside of it, which lifts the point arm off the block. The cylinder is of course slightly larger than the cam, so to compensate, the thickness gauge that comes with it is slightly thicker than the actual recommended point gap.

That's why they tell you to always use the gauge that comes with the tool, otherwise if you use a .020 gauge with the tool, then when you take the tool off, the points close back up to the actual diameter of the cam and your gap is too small.

It certainly works well enough to merit keeping in the car as part of your roadside troubleshooting kit.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

I use mine every time I set the point gap. It works great. I use the gauge that is built into the end of the rubber piece. I must have used over 20 times.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Ditto on using them they work great especially when on the road if you need to clean and reset points.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Very handy - no need to wrestle with finding the high point on the cam. Especially when on the road and it's raining.......

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

What's so hard about finding the high point on the cam? Just make sure that you keep the hand crank in the car.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

I looked at one of those for my touring kit. Far simpler to use one of those than the crank handle. No need to turn the engine at all. Pop it on, set the gap, back on the road!

Of course, my touring kit will have the crank handle...and probably the timing wrench and a back up distributor too (depends on how far I plan to drive). Meh. The tool is tiny.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

I used to carry a backup distributor but found it easier to carry backup points and condensors. Much lighter and takes up much less space. As long as your distributor is in good condition, and why would you go on a tour with one that wasn't, the points and condensor are the only things likely to fail.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

I have one for quick on-the-road point gap setting. You'd be amazed at how many people I am out touring with that complain of no power and we find the point gap worn closed. A quick adjustment and the engine runs strong again.

I did a test when I first got it. I set the points with the tool, then measured the gap with a feeler gauge and concluded that it sets the points a few thousandths wider than I really want them to be.

So I set the points a touch tight with the tool. The cam follower will wear as it runs and close the gap down to where I like them.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

I agree with Jim 100%.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Thanks Jim. That is what I wanted to know. I will check it on a spare distributor and see how it works.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

I agree. There is not much of a chance a distributor is going to just fail. I can’t even remember when the last time I have had points or condensor fail either.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

I had a condensor fail a few months ago. It immediately burned up the points. Replacing both got me going again.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Yeah, the jury is still out on the Quick Point Gap Setter. I just checked it on a couple of spare distributors with new parts and it sets the gap at .025". I like to set my gap closer to .020-.022".

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

They want $17.95 for the gizzmo and $18.95 to ship to me.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Just to clarify, you are using modern points and condenser?

Shipping on anything is crazy. I usually wait until I get a lot of items, seems to be better rate than for just one item. Bert's wants $28 for the tool!

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

I added one to today's order with Snyder's. If I want a different gap than the tool sets, I figure I can replace or modify the little feeler gauge to suit me. If it is only a few thou too big, a little sandpaper ought to take care of that. If the gauge is too small, I have a bunch of old, greasy feeler gauges that I can sort thru to find the right size.

:)

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

No crank or special tool needed. Turn it with the fan or leave it in gear and bump it so the block is on the high point then eyeball the gap. Close enough to get it home and less time standing in the rain.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Same thing on aviation small orders,what ever happened to just putting it in one of those small thick tan envelopes and slapping a couple of stamps on it?

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Back when smoking was popular, the ubiquitous matchbook cover was the right thickness for the point gap and the rough side could be used to polish the points.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

The shipping cost is not the cost of the stamps that is expensive but the labor to put it in the envelope. It also adds to the bottom line. I try to wait until I have a bunch of things to order so that shipping cost can be combined.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Has shipping become a moneymaker?

https://www.excelerateamerica.com/ve...ping-discounts

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Model A 1929
I was always told DO NOT TURN MOTOR OVER WITH THE FAN. That is one of the most likely causes of Fan cracking and blade failure. Crank it or use a wrench on the crank nut.

I am always tempted to try and nudge it one way or the other with the fan blade, but have resisted...Have not lost a fan blade yet.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

I don’t know that I would try to use the fan to turn a motor against compression, but if the plugs are out you absolutely can use the fan. Won’t hurt it a bit.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Neither have I. I doubt I'd try it with an original fan or a plastic one but the new aluminum ones no problem. You'll probably need to push on the belt at the same time to get it tight enough to have enough traction to turn the engine.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Takes two minutes to remove the sparkplugs, might as well check the plug gaps while your feeler gage tool set is out at that point.

With the plugs out the engine is so easy to turn even if you use the fan belt to turn it.

BTW , you can legally mail a potato through the USPS by writing a mailing to and return address with a sharpie and a few stamps. It’s recommended you take it in the post office for actual weight though.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

I've seen bananas mailed that way, the first postal employee in line smiles & the last one goes "UGH".

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Our post office has an addressed flip-flop on display.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Why aren't they delivering it?

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

I assume it was donated, I'll ask next time.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

After reading this post about the "quick point gap setter" I went out to my shop and machined one with my lathe, then milled the needed feeler gage, and it works ok.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Fantastic! I love to hear when people make their own tools.

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Here ya go: https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Thanks Katy. That should keep me out of trouble for awhile...

Re: Quick Point Gap Setter
 

Machine shop time is now about @80 per hour. So if you like making tools in your machine shop then go for it. Otherwise it is usually less expensive to buy them.