point gap and dwell

[jeff13601]

can someone explain the difference between point gap and dwell

 

[Laddies]

Re: point gap and dwell

They really are the same thing gap is the distance the pts open and dwell is the the degrees of rotation the pts are closed

 

[jeff13601]

Re: point gap and dwell

Is that saying that if my gap is correct then the dwell is automatically correct?

 

[tommays]

Re: point gap and dwell

the dwell is the better way but becomeing a lost art because its been a long time scince they stoped building motors with points<br /><br />and dwell will let you no that all 4 lobes are opening the points the same<br /><br />even my motor cycles from the late 1979 stoped useing points and went modern<br /><br />tommays

 

[olbuddyjack]

Re: point gap and dwell

if my gap is correct then the dwell is automatically correct?

~No, but thats the way its supposed to work and usally does.<br /><br />Correct dwell is what your trying to achive by setting the gap but for various reasons it doesnt always come out that way. You should always check your adjustment with a dwell meter and reset the points to correct dwell even if it changes the gap from spec.<br /><br />Laddies is right on on the explanation part.

 

[flashback]

Re: point gap and dwell

I think if your distributor is in good shape, then seting your points to 18 thou is good enough, its when there is slop in the system is when things start to vary and then it is hard to measure things accuratly .........

 

[Don S]

Re: point gap and dwell

Use the feeler gauge to set the gap close enough to get it running so you can check the dwell.<br />Not everybody has the knack to FEEL the feeler gauge and get the right dwell each time.

 

[jeff13601]

Re: point gap and dwell

I understand now. Thk you all

 

[Silvertip]

Re: point gap and dwell

A dwell meter gives you the opportunity to check for distributor wear as well. Blip the throttle -- if the dwell reading bounces around a little, the distributor probably has an egg shaped upper bushing. Also -- always set dwell first, then set timing. Some would argue that if timing was right before, it should be ok after setting dwell. That would be true provided dwell was set exactly as it was when timing was previously set. Always good to check/set timing after a dwell change.