how to set dwell

[chesire]

my dad gave me an old dwell meter and timing light can someone give me a quick rundown on how to set the dwell with this meter I have no idea what to hook it to. I have a 1986 3.0 mercruiser. thanks C.

 

[RandyJ]

Re: how to set dwell

As many times as I did that in my younger years I really feel stupid not being able to answer your question... However, you should be able to call about any parts store or auto dealer service department and they should tell you. I think you clip electrodes to ground and one or both terminals on the coil. Dwell angle is a function of the point gap. On old Chevy engines there was a little sliding door on the distributor that a hex wrench tool could be inserted to adjust dwell while engine is running. However on distributor caps with no door you have to play the guessing game trial and error method. Putting on the cap each time. It may be easier to just set your points to .020 and forget it.

 

[Boatist]

Re: how to set dwell

Chesire <br />I belive a 1986 still has points and condenser. Start by hooking up dwell meter and see if it is set to 30 degrees. if so should be ok. My 3.0 OMC book call for a point gap of .018.<br />To hook up meter put balck wire on ground and red wire on the minus side of the coil, the wire coming from the distribtor. If it is off I would clean the points first, if badly pited this is a good time to change points and condensor. After adjust gap to get to30 degrees.

 

[chesire]

Re: how to set dwell

Yes it does have points and a condenser, sorry. Thanks for the info Ill get on it as soon as it stops Monsooning outside. Do i have to have the engine running? Idle on hose adapter, underload? next question is timing I have the light now what?

 

[chesire]

Re: how to set dwell

Yes it does have points and a condenser, sorry. Thanks for the info Ill get on it as soon as it stops Monsooning outside. Do i have to have the engine running? Idle on hose adapter, underload? next question is timing I have the light now what?

 

[chesire]

Re: how to set dwell

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[Boatist]

Re: how to set dwell

Chesire<br />Yes motor needs to be runing or at least turning over. If clean or replace points set to .018 gap on the high point of a lobe. It should start there so you can check dwell and then adjust points to get to 30 degrees. The timing for a OMC 3.0L is 4 degrees before top dead center. Hook the light to the number one spark plug wire, (front) find the timing mark and degree wheel on the front harmonic balancer and set it to 4 degrees BTDC. If it is off loosen dist bolt until you can turn it but sung enough it does not turn by it self. Start it up and adjust to 4 degrees and tighten down.