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07-13-2011, 05:09 PM | #1 |
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Setting points with dwell meter
I know that .018-.022 seems to be a recommended point gap, but what is the desired dwell reading range for this gap range? I suspect there is a dwell angle specific to each particular point gap setting. I thank you in advance if anyone has information on this.
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Steve Hanna, Polk City, IA |
07-13-2011, 07:17 PM | #2 |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
No offense, but for 80+ years the model A runs fine with timing set CORRECTLY and points gapped .018-.022. Why re-invent the wheel??
Paul in CT |
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07-13-2011, 07:27 PM | #3 |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
It also would depend on the dist cam you have, the "B" cam has more dwell than the "A" cam.
As an experiment if you have a dwell meter --hook it up and see how much it changes when you move the spark advance ---that will show how much play there is in your upper plate to dist housing. --that play could be more than the dwell difference between .018--.022 |
07-13-2011, 08:24 PM | #4 |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
About 45 degrees would be fine.
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Jim Cannon Former MAFCA Technical Director "Have a Model A day!" |
07-13-2011, 09:13 PM | #5 | |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
Quote:
Why not set the points to .022 and check the Dwell Reading. As the points close up, the dwell will become longer. I find a dwell meter is a very quick, easy and more accurate way to see if the point setting has changed. My Opinion, Chris |
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07-13-2011, 10:31 PM | #6 |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
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07-14-2011, 12:38 AM | #7 |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
CWPASADENA This was my point exactly
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Steve Hanna, Polk City, IA |
12-07-2022, 12:07 PM | #8 |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
How do you tell whether you have an 'A' or 'B' cam ?
And am i correct that the 'B' is better ? |
12-07-2022, 12:11 PM | #9 |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
Is there a way to test the strength of your coil ? and is it better to install a coil with Higher output ?
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12-07-2022, 12:26 PM | #10 |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
Why is it that some accept and take advantage of new technology: Smart Phone, Television, Computer, how about cast iron brake drums?, how about turn signals, seat belts, halogen or LED head and tail lights, GPS navigation, you get the idea, yet criticize anyone who wants to take advantage of it on a Model A? There is absolutely an advantage to using a dwell meter to set points and it is absolutely true that had a dwell meter existed in 1928 the Ford garage would have been using them. It is without a doubt a more accurate way. Not everyone is an expert using a feeler gauge to set the points and dwell effects timing in a big big way. And you know what Flamingo? He asked a question that deserves an accurate answer, he did not ask what you or anybody else thought about it. My gosh, I swear that some people just cruise the forums looking for a place to stick there nose in where it doesn’t belong. If you want to go with “good enough” that’s fine but others prefer to be as accurate as they can.
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12-07-2022, 12:40 PM | #11 | |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
Quote:
Ummm, you do realize you are making your critical comment(s) on a thread that was posted here OVER a DECADE ago?? |
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12-07-2022, 12:48 PM | #12 | ||
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
Quote:
Quote:
I use a coil tester to check the output and to place heat into the coil to check for break-down when it gets hot. You only need enough coil voltage to ignite the combustion mixture. Typically, the higher the compression ratio, the more difficult to ignite the mixture. Naturally factoring RPMs, ignition timing, and volumetric efficiency all enter into the equation, but most over-the-counter parts store coils are fine for most Model-A engine applications. |
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12-07-2022, 12:58 PM | #13 |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
Well nope, I’m technically challenged
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12-07-2022, 01:54 PM | #14 |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
If you have an A and B cam next to each other, you can tell the difference, but just looking at one unknown cam trying to ID it can be difficult.
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12-07-2022, 02:04 PM | #15 | |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
Quote:
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12-07-2022, 05:36 PM | #16 |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
back in the day of points, thats pretty much how they were set [ dwell meter]. Especially GM.
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12-07-2022, 07:28 PM | #17 |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
The point gap is used to produce the correct dwell. The coil recognizes dwell it doesn't care what the gap is if the dwell is good. Food for thought.
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12-07-2022, 07:46 PM | #18 |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
I don't think we should dwell on this. I frankly don't get the point.
Drum roll please.
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12-08-2022, 12:38 AM | #19 |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
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12-08-2022, 07:57 AM | #20 |
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Re: Setting points with dwell meter
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