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setting the points - 1st timer

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by 4oldfords, Oct 12, 2009.

  1. 4oldfords
    Joined: Sep 30, 2009
    Posts: 158

    4oldfords
    Member
    from Texas

    this may be a dumb question but i have never done this stuff before.

    what is the best way to rotate the distributor shaft until the distributor cam opens the points to set them?

    also - can anyone tell me the best way to get that damn e-clip back over the vacuum advance?
     
  2. butch27
    Joined: Dec 10, 2004
    Posts: 2,847

    butch27
    Member

    Hook up a remote start switch and bump it over.
     
  3. JohnEvans
    Joined: Apr 13, 2008
    Posts: 4,883

    JohnEvans
    Member
    from Phoenix AZ

    Put in high gear and rock the car untill rubbing block of points is on the point of the cam.
     
  4. Or a big socket/breaker bar on the crank pulley bolt.
     

  5. Deyomatic
    Joined: Apr 17, 2002
    Posts: 3,277

    Deyomatic
    Member
    from CT

    I've always just used a breaker bar and socket on the crank pulley bolt and turned it and looked and tweaked until it was at its peak.
     
  6. brigrat
    Joined: Nov 9, 2007
    Posts: 5,615

    brigrat
    Member
    from Wa.St.

    Set your points (dwell) before setting timing ................ I know you didn't ask that but it's a free tidbit............
     
  7. terd ferguson
    Joined: Jun 13, 2008
    Posts: 3,716

    terd ferguson
    Member

    You could also have a buddy bump the starter while you watch under the hood until the dizzy cam gets on the high spot. Also, be sure to recheck the gap after you tighten the hold down screw. And don't forget to tighten the hold down screw, lol.
     
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2009
  8. Lobucrod
    Joined: Mar 22, 2006
    Posts: 4,122

    Lobucrod
    Alliance Vendor
    from Texas

    Best way to set the points is with a Dwell meter. The trick is finding one. I have one I bought at a pawn shop when I was in high school 40 years ago. luckly it still works.
     
  9. chopo
    Joined: Feb 20, 2006
    Posts: 1,265

    chopo
    Member


    I just bouhgt a new one at autozone. nice tach dwell and volt meter in one. cheap to. 30 bucks.
     
  10. rustyford40
    Joined: Nov 20, 2007
    Posts: 2,168

    rustyford40
    Member
    from Mass Bay

    If we knew the engine you are working on it would help. If its a ford with a solenoid make a jumper. Gm 60's or so had a dwell window in the cap real easy. Early flat heads you are best off taking the distributer off and bench set it. And some will need lube put on the cam.
     
  11. R Pope
    Joined: Jan 23, 2006
    Posts: 3,309

    R Pope
    Member

    Turn the distributor, not the engine. Then set the timing when you get the points set.
     
  12. they are all over ebay for $10-$15. i have also had a couple of them given to me in recent years

    get the points close with a feller gauge so you can start it, check the dwell with a meter and then set your timing
     
  13. 4oldfords
    Joined: Sep 30, 2009
    Posts: 158

    4oldfords
    Member
    from Texas

    thanks - I did it!! my 1st car project success. i just bumped the ignition until the stars alligned and gave me the open. thanks for your help all
     
  14. 61TBird
    Joined: Mar 16, 2008
    Posts: 2,640

    61TBird
    Member

    Congratulations!
    Don't forget to put a dab of grease on the rubbing block of the points.
     
  15. willymakeit
    Joined: Apr 13, 2009
    Posts: 1,326

    willymakeit
    Member

    Dont forget to change the condenser.
     
  16. 4oldfords
    Joined: Sep 30, 2009
    Posts: 158

    4oldfords
    Member
    from Texas

    changed the points, condenser, rotor, and coil

    grease - done too

    my next move is a new thermostat and timing this weekend with some help from a friend with know how.

    thanks again - this site is bombtastic
     
  17. terd ferguson
    Joined: Jun 13, 2008
    Posts: 3,716

    terd ferguson
    Member

    While you're on a roll, you might as well do the cap, plugs and wires. That way there's no question marks in your entire ignition system. Another $40 or so will have it all wrapped up.
     

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