Keep in mind that you set the point gap to get it running but check the dwell with it running (dwell is the amount of degrees that the distributor cam turns while the points are closed). From my OMC owners/operator manual (1988) gap is .018 Dwell is 39*+-2* As the gap gets larger, the dwell angle gets smaller. Normally you want to set it to the lower end of the dwell spec (larger gap) because then when the rubbing block wears, it will stay in spec longer. One relatively quick way to get it this close is this: get a remote starter switch and hook it up to the stater. then hook up the dwell meter positive to the neg on the ignition coil and the dwell meter neg to an engine ground. Set the points with the feeler gauge (clean it in alcohol so you do not get grease on the points). With the cap off you can crank the engine with the remote starter switch and look at the meter. This can make it easier to make small adjustments.
Back in the day when our cars all had points, we used to love GM cars with the Delco 'window' distributor. This ingenious invention had a points plate that was moved by an allen fitting. You replaced the points, hooked up the dwell meter and the remote starter switch. Then you opened the little metal window in the dist cap and used a flexible allen wrench (allen key on the end, flex fitting in the middle and screwdriver handle on the end). You could change the dwell angle while cranking the engine looking at the meter. When you got it close you, you started up the engine and did the final adjustment with it running at idle speed. One of GM's best ideas!
_________________ 88 Four Winns 200 Horizon 4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl 2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5 2008 Walker Bay 8
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II
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