<VV> Re: Dwelling on dwell....

[jwcorvair at aol.com]

I really don't disagree with Bill on setting points. I have set the points on my 62 sedan both ways. When I have set it by dwell, the gap is as low as .013. When I have set the gap at .016, the dwell is 28. My car seems to run fine both ways, but I am a bit more comfortable with the gap set at .016. As Bill suggested, something is probably worn. Most likely the points plate is loose. I recall that the Tech Guide has some information on correcting worn points plates. You might also start with one of our vendors to find a new Dale replacement points plate. You might also consider going to a Pertronix, which comes with a new "points" plate. If you decide on using a Pertronix, keep your old points plate in your glove box in case the Pertronix dies on you. (This has happened to me on two occasions, which is why I am using points again.)
 
Joe White (62 sedan, 66 Porvair)
CORSA, RMC
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: lechevrier at earthlink.net
To: virtualvairs at corvair.org
Sent: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 3:06 AM
Subject: <VV> Re: Dwelling on dwell....


Opinions will vary on this but -- set the gap! 
 
It is my opinion, as a professional mechanic who worked in the era of points generated ignitions, that of the two specs, gap vs dwell, if you didn't get the gap set wide enough, they would be back shortly for a new set of points cause the old ones would burn up from the arcing. .016 (matchbook cover) is sort of a minimum gap setting if you have a good condenser and conventional coil -- pretty much true of any points fired ignition -- lawmowers, garden tractors, Corvairs, Lucas, Bosch, especially Beetles, where you could actually hear the chirping of an unlubed set of points as the bug drove past. If the points are arcing, dwell readings really don't mean anything, even if your meter works under those conditions -- your coil won't. 
 
If you have to have a gap of .013 to get the dwell you want, there is probably something besides the points in the distributor showing some evidence of wear -- you need to get it identified and fixed. Dwell is a nice check on a properly gapped set of points to see that everything is working correctly inside the distributor with engine running. 
 
Bill Strickland 
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