The correct setting for the points is given in the car handbook or workshop manual. Turn the crankshaft pulley in the direction of the engines normal rotation with a spanner or socket wrench, until the contact heel is on the tip of one of the distributor cam lobes, so that the contact-breaker points are fully open.
Full Answer
How do I know what set of points open the distributor?
If you look into the distributor from the top, you will notice that the pair of points are nested to one side of the distributor housing. No matter the rotation of your distributor, the first point set that opens is called the primary set.
How do you adjust distributor points gap?
Adjusting your distributor points gap just requires the right set of feel gauges and some patience! Check the contact surfaces for pitting or discoloration. A new set of points is relatively inexpensive so it can be a good idea to replace them if they look worn.
How do you mark the position of a distributor rotor?
Mark the position of the rotor. This step is crucial - if the position of the rotor in your new distributor doesn't match the position of the rotor in your old distributor, your engine may not start with the new distributor installed. Carefully make a mark inside the distributor housing to indicate the position of the rotor.
How do you adjust the contact breaker points on a distributor?
The correct setting for the points is given in the car handbook or workshop manual. Turn the crankshaft pulley in the direction of the engines normal rotation with a spanner or socket wrench, until the contact heel is on the tip of one of the distributor cam lobes , so that the contact-breaker points are fully open.
How to set distributor points?
Why is it important to check ignition timing after you adjust distributor points?
What is dwell on spark plugs?
Do you need a dwell meter for distributor points gap?
How do you adjust distributor point?
2:534:15How to - Replacing Contact Breaker Points // Supercheap Auto - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a feeler gauge of the correct manufacturer's specifications gently adjust the points with aMoreUsing a feeler gauge of the correct manufacturer's specifications gently adjust the points with a screwdriver. Until the points gap is in accordance with specifications.
What gap should points be set at?
The Haynes manual recommends a point gap of . 016-. 020 inches for engines used in the P1800. I used to set my points at exactly .
Where should the distributor rotor point?
The rotor button should be pointing to the number 1 position on the distributor cap when the number 1 piston is at top dead center (on the compression stroke). The pistons come up two times during the combustion cycle. Once for the exhaust stroke and again on the compression stroke.
What happens if point gap is too big?
Spark plug gap too big symptoms Much like with a spark plug gap that's too small, symptoms of a spark plug gap that is too big include cylinder misfires, rough idling, engine hesitation, and the engine not starting.
What happens if ignition points are too close?
In short, either too wide or narrow a point gap will cause a misfire under load. I recommend setting your point gap with a feeler gauge and fine tuning with a dwell meter.
Does point gap affect timing?
The dwell, as well as spark plug gap, do have an effect on ignition timing. The later the points open, the later the spark comes and retards the timing. The earlier the points open the sooner the spark comes and advances the timing.
How do I know if my distributor timing is off?
Signs Your Ignition Timing Is OffEngine knocking: Engine knocking occurs when the air-fuel mixture is ignited too soon in the cylinder. ... Decreased fuel economy: The timing of the spark plug is crucial during the ignition process.More items...•
What are symptoms of timing being off?
What causes ignition timing to be off? When any changes are made to the engine of a car, the ignition timing is adjusted accordingly. If not, you could experience several problems with your engine with improper ignition timing like knocking, hard to start, increase fuel usage, overheating, and reduced power.
How do you adjust a distributor without a timing light?
How to Set Timing Without a Timing Light Step BY Step GuideStep 1: Get a vacuum pressure, dwell, and RPM (revolutions per minute) ... Step 2: Loosen the bolt that holds the engine's distributor. ... Step 3: Rotate the distributor slowly. ... Step 4: Adjust the carburetor.
What happens if spark plug gap is to small?
Too small of a gap may give too weak of a spark to complete the combustion process within the engine; too wide of a gap can lead to the spark plug not firing correctly, causing misfires at high speeds.
Is a wider spark plug gap better?
The larger the gap, the more voltage is needed to jump the gap. Most experienced tuners know that increasing the gap size increases the spark area exposed to the air-fuel mixture, which maximizes burn efficiency.
What should I set my spark plug gap to?
For most racing applications, you usually want the plug gap to be between 0.020 and 0.040 of an inch. Most engine builders seem to settle around 0.035 of an inch. Factors such as the type of ignition you run, cylinder heads, fuel and even timing can affect how much gap will work best for you.
How do you set a point gap on a lawn mower?
2:508:18HOW TO ADJUST The Points on 3.5 HP BRIGGS & STRATTON EngineYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo to adjust the points you simply loosen the condenser here with a quarter inch socket.MoreSo to adjust the points you simply loosen the condenser here with a quarter inch socket.
How do you set a point gap on a tractor?
1:384:11How to adjust and set Points Gap on Kohler K Engine - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow to set the gap in your points you want to first turn the crank shaft until. The points open toMoreNow to set the gap in your points you want to first turn the crank shaft until. The points open to its widest setting. And when you're done with that you take a flathead screwdriver.
Do ignition points fire when open or closed?
The points must stay closed long enough to allow the coil's primary current to reach an acceptable value and open long enough to discharge and produce a spark. Many mechanics like to check the dwell measurement with a dwell meter after setting the points. There are some who say you don't have to.
What is the gap in spark plug?
The gap is the distance between the center and side electrodes, set so arcing occurs at the proper voltage that ignites the fuel and generates the combustion that makes the engine run.
Changing points in a distributor - YouTube
A step by step how-to on changing points in a distributor, in this case a Delco distributor on a B275 IH tractor.
What to set the distributor points gap at? | ZCar Forum
I have a 1971 240Z and am about to replace the distributor cap, rotor, and points. What gap should the points be set at? I've never replaced points before, so from what I understand the points have to be lined up with the lobe then gapped? What is the best method of doing that (turning fan...
How to set dwell AND point gap correctly? | The H.A.M.B.
I'm sorting out everything on my car now that it drives down the road. Per my service manual, point gap is 0.024-0.026 and dwell should be 28...
QUICK SET POINT SETTING TOOL - BRATTON'S
Use this handy tool to easily adjust the points on your car. This special made tool slips over the distributor cam and allows you to set the points without turning the engine over to find the high lobe. A great time saver for when you are on tour or just want to double check the point gap quickly.
What hand do you use to rotate a distributor?
The direction your fingers point is the direction of rotor movement. On a Chevy distributor, you would use your left hand, and on a Ford you’ll use your right hand. This is a cool little trick you can use on any distributor to determine its rotation. ….
How to tighten distributor body?
With the rotor close to the Number One position, twist the distributor body until the rotor points directly at the Number One spark plug terminal position mark on the distributor. Now install the distributor cap and cinch the distributor body down to the intake mani fold with the hold-down c lamp. Tighten this lightly—we may have to move it again when the engine starts.
How to tell if a distributor is vacuum advance?
Tech Tip: One quick way to tell on any vacuum advance style distributor is to lay your hand parallel with the vacuum advance canister and then curl your fingers inward toward the middle of the distributor body. The direction your fingers point is the direction of rotor movement. On a Chevy distributor, you would use your left hand, and on a Ford you’ll use your right hand. This is a cool little trick you can use on any distributor to determine its rotation.
What happens if the distributor is off by more than one tooth?
If the rotor is not pointing at Number One, you could twist the distributor body, but if it is off by more than one tooth, this will require turning the distributor body too far. Instead, you will need to remove the distributor and repeat the previous process as the rotor is not in the correct position.
Where is the spark plug wire on a Summit Hei distributor?
We use a black Sharpie to place a mark on the distributor body where we want the Number One spark plug wire to be located. This can be placed anywhere you like, but if you are a Chevro let traditionalist, this ends up roughly at about the 5 o’clock position on the distributor as you are looking at it from the front of the engine.
How long has it been a procedure to drop a distributor into an engine?
Dropping a distributor into the engine is a time-honored procedure that has been around since the first engines coughed their way to life more than 100 years ago.
What is the number on the left side of a Ford cylinder?
The left side is numbered 1-3-5-7 , and the right side is 2-4-6-8. Ford does it differently. Ford numbers its cylinders with Number One on the right front, numbered on the right side 1-2-3-4 with the left side 5-6-7-8. Other manufacturers number their cylinders differently, so you should check online if you’re not sure.
How to test out a new distributor?
Take your vehicle for a test drive. You're all finished - test out your new distributor by putting your vehicles' engine through a variety of different accelerations. You may notice differences in the way your vehicle performs.
What to do before inserting distributor into engine?
Lubricate the o-ring before inserting the distributor into the engine to prevent bent pins.
What causes a distributor to fail?
These other factors include: Worn or excessive play in the timing belt or chain. Leaking o-ring at the base of the distributor. High resistance in the spark plug wires or spark plugs. Worn Distributor cap, rotor, or other worn ignition components.
How to replace distributor cap?
Re-connect the distributor's wires and replace the cap. Connect each wire to the distributor according to the markings you made. Ensure that you fasten each wire in its correct place - each one should be re-attached in the location that corresponds to its original location on the old rotor.
How many wires are in a distributor?
The distributor has a plastic cap with spark plug wires coming out of it. There will be one wire for each cylinder of the engine. There will also be one additional wire connected to the ignition coil.
What is a distributor in a car?
In vehicular terminology, the distributor is an important part of a vehicle's ignition system. Most older models of vehicles contain a mechanical distributor, while more recent models almost always have electronic, computer controlled distributors or even distributor-less ignition systems. These modern distributors aren't terribly ...
How to check if a car has a distributor?
Locate the distributor. Park the vehicle in a safe, secure place (like a garage or a level stretch of ground) and open the hood to access the engine compartment. Look for the distributor - often, this is a cylindrical part with thick wires coming out of it that sits near the engine.
What is the first point set on a distributor?
No matter the rotation of your distributor, the first point set that opens is called the primary set. The second one that opens is called the secondary (or trailing) point set. When the primary point opens, watch it ... before it closes, the secondary point will open.
How to set dual point ignition?
To set dual point ignitions you first block the "secondary" point set. You can block it by either not having it in the distributor, or using a thin piece of cardboard such as a matchbook cover between the contacts of the secondary point set. With the same (Safety Precautions) as above: ignition coil wire removed, ...
How to set a dwell meter?
its not hard first buy a dwell meter find out the combined dwell of the 2 sets of points. take your dist cap and rotor off put a peice of paper between the secondary or trailing points have some one turn the engine over set the first set at 32 degrees. take the paper out of the second set the amount of dwell will be the amount of dwell left hence combined dwell they are set. the guys that tell you to use a matchbook cover seem to like engines that run good enough, then figure out how to really set the timing with a timing light with intial timing and with the full advance you wont believe the difference, point ignitions are not hard to set really well amaze your friends why do it half a**ed when you can do it right . these old cars will respond to a trained hand
How many degrees does an Accel Dual Point have?
on my Accel dual point for a sbc, the instructions says to set the primary points at 26 degrees while the secondary points are disconnected. then hook up them back up and set the total dwell to 36 degrees. normal dwell for a sbc is 28-32. so you can see that the first one is less dwell , but overall there is more dwell.
What is the primary point set?
The Primary point set is the "first" point to open in relation to the rotation of the engine and it's placement in the distributor housing. If you look into the distributor from the top, you will notice that the pair of points are nested to one side of the distributor housing.
Can you set a gap on a dual point distributor?
For Dual Point distributors there is a bit more effort involved. You can still set the point gap on the "primary" point set in the distributor (see note below), but you might as well forget the secondary point set at this moment.
Can you have different dwell settings?
And remember that dwell is a average of a complete cycle. You can have different dwell settings between cam lobes and still come out with a good number. A syncograph or distributor machine is the only way to actually see this.. On another mallory ( YC Rev pol) using a four cam design it is entirely different.
How to set dwell on GM distributor?
In fact, most all GM distributor caps have a little door that allows access to the points so the dwell can be adjusted while the engine is running. On engines that don't have that access, you need to be a little more creative. What we do is remove all the spark plugs from the engine, set up the points, turn the key on and crank the engine while adjusting the point dwell. Once it's set, we lock them down and finish the tune-up.
What happens when coil primary points close?
When the points close, the current through the coil primary increases from zero to maximum in an exponential manner, rapidly at first, then slowing as the current reaches its maximum value. At low engine speeds, the points are closed long enough to allow the current to reach a higher current level.
Why does inductance create a paradox?
Those same principles of inductance create a kind of paradox because when the points open and the magnetic field collapses, it also induces a current in the primary as well. It's not very much because there are only a few windings in the primary, but it's enough to jump a small air-gap, such as the one between the just-opening points in the distributor. That tiny spark is enough to erode metal away from the points and you'll 'burn' the points. It prevents the points from arcing and prevents coil insulation breakdown by limiting the rate of voltage rise at the points.
How to measure point gap?
To measure the point gap, you need a set of feeler gauges. Adjusting the point gap is a simple process, but it takes some practice to get the hang of doing it properly. First, make sure the rubbing block is on the high point of one of the cam lobes.
Do you have to check the dwell meter?
Many mechanics like to check the dwell measurement with a dwell meter after setting the points. There are some who say you don't have to. But it is a good way to check the point gap and make sure it is right.
Does a ballast resistor work in an ignition?
It also makes the engine much easier to start by effectively doubling the voltage provided to the ignition coil when the engine is being cranked. Not all car manufacturers used a ballast resistor in their ignition systems, so you should check to see if yours does.
How to open contact breaker points on distributor cam?
Turn the crankshaft pulley in the direction of the engines normal rotation with a spanner or socket wrench, until the contact heel is on the tip of one of the distributor cam lobes , so that the contact-breaker points are fully open.
How is a distributor cap held on?
The distributor cap is usually held on by spring clips.
How to remove contact breaker from distributor?
Remove the two screws holding the contact-breaker set to the distributor baseplate and lift off the old assembly.
How is the gap adjusted?
The gap is adjusted by swinging the assembly around the moving contact pivot point.
How to release terminals?
Release the terminals by gently easing the contact-breaker spring pressure.
How to unscrew a spring nut?
On the old type, unscrew the nut, at the free end of the spring, using pliers or a small spanner.
How to clean a new point?
The contact faces of the new points may be covered by a protective coating. Wash it off with petrol or paraffin, and dry.
How to tell if a distributor is installed correctly?
Double check that the aligning marks on the engine, distributor, and primary rotor mark, are all aligned. This will indicate you have installed the distributor correctly.
How to install a distributor cap?
Install the distributor cap. Align the notch or tab on the cap with the notch or tab on top of the distributor body. Wiggle the cap from side to side to make sure the cap is sitting correctly on the distributor. The cap shouldn't wobble. Then secure the cap to the distributor with the screws or spring clips. Properly installing the cap will prevent damage to the rotor and new distributor.
How to remove distributor cap from car?
Unscrew the distributor cap or pop the metal clips holding the cap in place, using a screwdriver. Wiggle the cap off the distributor body and place it out of the way or remove it from the engine.
What to do if your distributor has vacuum advance?
If your distributor has vacuum advance, make sure the hose is disconnected and plugged.
How to connect timing light to battery?
Two of the leads connect to the battery and the third lead may connect directly to the metal connector of number one spark plug wire or clipped around the same wire without unplugging it from the spark plug. Consult the tool's operating manual, if necessary. During this procedure, keep the timing light leads away from engine spinning components like the fan and belts.
How to tell if a distributor shaft is helical?
If your distributor shaft has a helical drive gear, as you pull the distributor out, the shaft will rotate a few degrees clockwise or counterclockwise. You'll notice this by watching the rotor as you pull the distributor out. Notice the direction and the amount of any rotation on the rotor.
Where does the ignition coil attach to?
On some models, the ignition coil attaches to the underside of the distributor cap. If necessary, transfer the coil to the new cap.
How to set distributor points?
To set your distributor points by checking the dwell you need a dwell meter, a tool to adjust the points, and steady hands. Setting the points by checking the dwell is much more accurate than setting the points gap but you have to do it while the engine is running and it can be very tricky. Not to mention you need a dwell meter.
Why is it important to check ignition timing after you adjust distributor points?
As we mentioned earlier, the spark is discharged when your points open so adjusting the gap will change when the spark event occurs. This means it’s important to check your ignition timing after you’ve adjusted your distributor points.
What is dwell on spark plugs?
The dwell is the amount of time the points we show here with a gap between them are closed. If you reduce the points gap they will ride closer to the shaft of the distributor and therefore be closed longer (more dwell). If you open the gap the contacts on the points are touching for a shorter amount of time so you get less dwell. The goal of these points is to close and power your ignition coil so it can “charge up” and be able to produce the 10s of thousands of volts your spark plug needs then open at just the right time to send that energy to the spark plug.
Do you need a dwell meter for distributor points gap?
Setting the points by checking the dwell is much more accurate than setting the points gap but you have to do it while the engine is running and it can be very tricky. Not to mention you need a dwell meter. Adjusting your distributor points gap just requires the right set of feel gauges and some patience!