Distributor points
 

Distributor points, what is the proper gap size? Easy to check and adjust?

The "gap" is only a preliminary setting, done to a snug .016" (0.35mm) with the rubbing block of the points against a cam lobe (open). Once that's done the car should be started, and the dwell angle set. Dwell is the amount of degrees that the distributor cam turns from the time that the points close until they open. If you have a Bosch distributor the spec for the dwell angle is 38 +/- 3 degrees. It's better to set the dwell between 36 and 39 degrees. Don't forget to use a dab of high quality grease (such as Bosch distributor cam grease) on the cam before you button it up. Also, be sure to clean the contact points before you install them; they usually have shipping preservative on them and if you don't clean them the car might not start.

stay to the low end of the dwell and don't forget to retime your car

I reset the points 100-300 miles after install if i don't use the Bosch grease

If I use the grease i may have to wait over 500 miles before the points break in


you'll know when to reset if you monitor your dwell

Or you can put in a Pertronix and never touch them again!

[this will probably bring out the anti pertronix crowd!!]

I am a big fan of the Pertronix.

i like the points and not having something else electronic that can break.

fuel pump is the only thing that will stop me.....i hope

i've had the pertronix operating for about 8 years

have gone thru an alternator and an MSD box but no pertronoix

i carry a spare pertronix and points