Breaker point setting for Mark 55E?

[John Reynolds]

I have a mercury factory service manual, model C -- 9 0 -- 2550. About Breaker points, it says: "a Breaker point dwell setting of 48 degrees is recommended for Mark 58 and later model four-cylinder engines. Mark 55 and earlier model four-cylinder engines use a 54 degree Breaker point dwell setting. For optimum performance these recommendations must be followed." The book also says: "Set breaker point gap to .008 inches for an approximate setting of 48 degrees dwell." Since the book says Mark 55 and earlier, and I have a Mark 55, then my engine must use the 54 degree breaker point setting. But my question is, if a breaker point gap of .008 inches gives a dwell 48 degrees then what do I need to set my breaker points at an order to achieve a 54 degree breaker point setting? I can't find anywhere in the book that will tell me that.

 

[JB]

Re: Breaker point setting for Mark 55E?

Hi, John.<br /><br />Ideally, you would use a dwell meter to set your points. They are easy to find in pawn shops now that nothing uses points anymore. <br /><br />Failing that, .010 gap should get you in the ballpark.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Breaker point setting for Mark 55E?

My "abos"manual indicates a gap of .008-.010<br /> not .008 or .010 If your book says .008 for 48<br />Degrees then .010 may be for 54 degrees.<br /> But your best bet is to ask at Johns Old Mercury<br /> Web Site at: www.pfs-ware.com this is a great site with amazing links.<br /> I wonder if an old dwell meter would help.<br /> You might have to interpret the numbers based on <br />the number of lobes.??

 

[John Reynolds]

Re: Breaker point setting for Mark 55E?

OK Thanks