How to set points

[Wellcraft170]

Okay so i recently got the tune up kit for my mercruiser 170 and i need to know how to set the timing, dwell, etc.. Anyone wanna tell me how to do it right in a simple explanation lol because its not worth bringing it to someone i wanna do this myself...I understand what to do but im stuck on how to get the points to open up for you to put the feeler gauge in there for the right gap

 

[UncleWillie]

You keep bumping the starter until you get lucky and it stops near the the top of one of the lobes on the cam that operates the points.
At his point you can set the gap roughly with the feeler gauge. Don't get over accurate with it, just get it in the ball park so you can get the engine to run.
Once it is running you will use the Dwell meter to set the gap accurately.

After the the dwell is set, hook up the timing light and point it at the timing marks on the engine.
With the vacuum line removed and the distributor clamp slightly loose, Turn the distributor until the timing marks line up correctly.
Once the timing is set and the distributor is tightened down, recheck everything.
If you re-adjust the dwell you will need to set the timing again.
Be careful! Your hands are going to very close to a lot of non-forgiving, moving parts.

 

[bspeth]

I turn the engine slowly with a socket until the cam on the diz opens them but either way will work.

 

[Bt Doctur]

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...&mid=2B2E4C62EBA3FB181B692B2E4C62EBA3FB181B69

 

[Bt Doctur]

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...&mid=8EF03E84BC4BFE49FD9D8EF03E84BC4BFE49FD9D

 

[Wellcraft170]

Got it! Runs like a top thanks guys

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Also in the Adults Only Sticky... :

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...-up-your-engine-with-points-ignition?t=335302

 

[bruceb58]

I know you did this already but there is an easy way to do it with a dwell meter.

With most dwell meters you can crank the engine while looking at the dwell meter. Set the dwell to spec while cranking. Put the cap back on and start engine and see how much difference the dwell is. Usually there is an offset of a few degrees when running than from cranking. Remove the cap again and crank and adjust taking into account the offset. Check it again while running and you should be right on the money.

Way easier than setting the gap and going back and forth with the dwell meter with small tweaks.

 

[bruceb58]

You did set the timing after setting the dwell right?

You did use a dwell meter right?