How to set igition point gap?

[gbhumphrey]

Hi, I want to set my ignition poit gap but dont knwo how. I believe I need a timing light. I have 1971 911E and I dont believe it has any sort of vacuum advance on it, it doesn't LOOK like it anyway.
Can someone point me to or post instruction on how to set the ignition gap in the distributor please?

[tmctguer]

you'll need a feeler guage and a reference document that shows the correct point gap for your model car.

after you physically set the gap on the points, you'll need a dwell meter (usually in form of a tachometer/dwell meter combo sold by your local parts store) to check how much dwell has been created with the point gap you set. the dwell meter reading may cause you to adjust the points more open or closed to get dwell within specifications.

then you use the timing light to set your ignition timing.

others will chime in to correct any mistakes in my description above and clarify other steps, too.

[gbhumphrey]

By the time I buy a timing light, feeler gauge and dwell meter, I could have replaced the system with one of these? Pertonix Electronic ignition
Thoughts in favor or against?

[Scooter]

Buy the Pertronix unit.

[911K]

Originally Posted by Scooter

Buy the Pertronix unit.

+1 You'll still need a timing light to check the total advance at 6k after installing the Pertronix.

[Eagledriver]

You need the timing light but I've never used a dwell meter. Set the gap with a feeler guage and set the timing with a timing light and you're good to go.

-Andy

[Joe Bob]

Match book cover.....

[SteveinTO]

One degree of dwell = one degree of ignition timing.

Safest, most accurate way is to set the point gap with a matchbook/feeler gauge and then fine tune with a dwell tach. The set the ignition timing at the idle spec, then whang it to whatever to check max advance.

[Flieger]

Timing at 6000rpm is the most important setting. Dwell is not really important with the capacitive discharge ignition because the CDI charges so quickly that the dwell just has to be some reasonable value. The CDI discharges when the points open and the amount of time they are closed is not that crucial. Dwell only matters in that it effects the ignition timing as stated above.

Get the high RPM timing correct and the rest should fall into line as long as your distributor is not too "tired" and the points are not severely worn.

[gbhumphrey]

OK, ive put in a new set of points, set the gap and turned the key. I got no love.
When I set the gap, do I want to set it at ANY position that opens the gap or at TDC where it corresponds to cylinder #1?

[tobluforu]

Just make sure that the part of the points that rubs the distributor is riding on the highest part of the lobe when you set gap-you may need a flashlight.

[kidrock]

Originally Posted by tobluforu

Just make sure that the part of the points that rubs the distributor is riding on the highest part of the lobe when you set gap-you may need a flashlight.

+1. Hand turn the motor while watching the nylon rider of your points. Stop turning the motor when the rider hits the highest portion (lobe) on the distributor shaft (the part where the rotor sits). It does not have to be at TDC or cyl #1. Re-set your points, reinstall the rotor and cap, and you should be good to go.

Just a note: before putting your rotor and cap back on, have a friend turn the motor over with the key. While the motor is turning, watch your points. They should make contacts as they open and close. You should witness a small spark between the points as they open and close.