Set Points by Feeler Gauge or Continuity Meter 1963 V4?

[yorab]

Motor in signature with battery distributor ignition. I've always adjusted points by gapping. However, my Seloc says that it is more accurate to adjust points by testing for continuity while the timing mark on the disty pulley aligns with the timing bosses on the disty body. Is this a more accurate method? It seems that it would be, but I want to get some input from people who have tried this before. I can post a scan of the few paragraphs that describe this method if necessary.

Secondly, how tight does the eccentric point adjustment screw need to be before mounting the plate that holds the points? Thanks.

 

[boobie]

Re: Set Points by Feeler Gauge or Continuity Meter 1963 V4?

I've always set them to .020" and then checked them with the timing marks on the pulley. As far as the eccentric screw, run it in till it seats and the back it off one turn

 

[yorab]

Re: Set Points by Feeler Gauge or Continuity Meter 1963 V4?

Thanks boobie. I'll adjust that screw as you mentioned. Has anybody else ever heard of the continuity test whether you've used it or not? Basically, it says to align the pulley timing mark with the disty body timing mark and then check for continuity. Then adjust until the continuity just breaks. Seems to make sense--afterall, what is important is that the points make contact at a very precise moment. That moment should occur when the pulley mark aligns with the disty mark.

 

[boobie]

Re: Set Points by Feeler Gauge or Continuity Meter 1963 V4?

You want the points to BRAKE just when the marks align. Back in those days I always used a Stevens AT-101 test meter on low ohms to check the points to find out when they opened. When they open the marks should be aligned. If it gets to confuseing just make sure both set of points are set at .020" at their widest gap and the mtr should run.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Set Points by Feeler Gauge or Continuity Meter 1963 V4?

Used to do it with cars all the time. Would be exactly the same with an O/B....not sure why I never tried with one.