Dwell Angel?

[Bsturkie]

Can one of you gentleman recommend a good multimeter that will measure the Dwell Angle? I have 2 and both do not. Or can I just gap the points with feelers and be done with it? The motor is running great, I just want to make sure all is well. Also, on a Volvo AQ125B is a 175 - 200 degree operating temp in range? Thats what I'm running. It really stays at about 180-190. Thanks once again guys!!

 

[mkast]

Re: Dwell Angel?

You need a dwell meter.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Dwell Angel?

180 to 190 is o/k.<br /><br />I have a fluke MM that has dwell. Most good (brand name) MM's have dwell.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Dwell Angel?

Most marinas use a feeler gauges to set pts.

 

[Bsturkie]

Re: Dwell Angel?

Thanks for the info guys. I may just set the points with feeler guages but check this out:<br />This looks like it will work quite well! <br /><br /> http://www.mcminone.com/product.asp?catalog_name=MCMProducts&product_id=72-6697

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Dwell Angel?

Looks good.<br /><br />Now you'll have 3

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Dwell Angel?

What does a dwell angel look like anyway? <br /><br />You are way better off setting the dwell with a dwell meter. Also, check your timing after setting the dwell since the dwell angle effects the timing. <br /><br />That is why I used to always set dwell with the meter. That way I was consistent and didn't have to readjust the timing.

 

[Don S]

Re: Dwell Angel?

I've worked at a lot of different marine repair facilities, and have never worked at on where a feeler gauge was used as the only method of setting points. The 125's are so touchy with the dwell (they like 60-62° best) that a feeler guage just won't do the job. Even after setting dwell, you really need to go back and reset the timing. And be sure the rpm is low enough to set the timing.<br />Then you will have a good running 125.

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Dwell Angel?

In the bygone days cars ran thousands of miles with the points set with a feeler gage. If done accurately with a feeler gage dwell will be in spec. Most dwell specs have a 2 to 4 degree range.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Dwell Angel?

In the old bygone days they also built houses without power tools. Why not do it the best way?

 

[imported_Dave_C]

Re: Dwell Angel?

Originally posted by Bsturkie:<br /> Can one of you gentleman recommend a good multimeter that will measure the Dwell Angle? I have 2 and both do not. Or can I just gap the points with feelers and be done with it? The motor is running great, I just want to make sure all is well. Also, on a Volvo AQ125B is a 175 - 200 degree operating temp in range? Thats what I'm running. It really stays at about 180-190. Thanks once again guys!!

Stop in at your local NAPA parts store and see what they have. Also large Sears stores have Dwell meters in the Automotive tool section.<br />Your temp. sounds high but I don't have an AQ125. Had an AQ130 once

 

[lilmandavis]

Re: Dwell Angel?

when was the last time in the bygone days when they ran thier engine wide open under full load? optimal performance is a must!!!!

 

[510man]

Re: Dwell Angel?

What is the correct timing for this engine? <br /><br />I would have thought the timing would be set a WOT so your setting to maximum advance. That number is far more important than the idle timing number. Done this way, the idle timing is then whatever it is once the idle speed is set. Using an electronic timing light you could then use the advance dial to know what your idle timing is since the pointer gauge on an engine is seldom accurate. <br /><br />I've seen the pointer gauge be off as much as 3-4 degrees at idle. That can have a big impact on how well the boat runs. Running 34 degrees vs. 37 degrees at WOT can easily result in a 3-5mph difference in top end in a 18-19 ft. boat.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Dwell Angel?

Or you can istall Pertronix and not worry about the dwell at all!

 

[Bsturkie]

Re: Dwell Angel?

KaGee, I think I'm going to invest in an electric unit this winter. I got the dwell to about 59 degrees at 4000 RPM. The manual says 62 degrees but using a flat head screwdrive to move the points, its almost impossible to adjust them with pinpoint accuracy. (Unless you guys have some tips!)Moving the point set 1/2 millimeter will make the Dwell jump 15-20 degrees. The electronic setup is looking better and better!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Dwell Angel?

If your dwell is changing as a function of RPM, you need to rebuild your distributor.<br /><br />You can set the dwell with the distributor cap off. That should make it easier.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Dwell Angel?

The heat excahnger in your engine is notorious for clogging with vegetation on the raw water side (obviously). The passages are rather small. If it's working properly, the engine should be rock solid at 175 or so. If the temp goes up whle you are going fast and down when you slow down (not overheating, just fluctuating), odds are good it's in need of a heat exchanger cleaning. Muriatic acid will clean it out wonderfully. It also attacks the aluminum housing so be careful to rinse it off when the acid comes in contact with the housing. You'll need to do this work with the exchanger off the boat. Have a hose ready to rinse with and follow all safety precautions for working with acid. Muriatic acid is sold in most hardware stores. It's used by masons for cleaning bricks and other masonry.