Thread: dwell angle

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I recently did a tune up on my 73 Monte Carlo, 350, Qjet. I can't get the dwell to go lower than 40 degs. No matter what i do it stays between 40 - 42 (This is a new meter). I used uniset points (points and cond are 1 assy). The vacuum to the dist is disconnected and plugged. The idle is 600 in drive - about 800 in park. The timing isn't far from its mark but I need to do the dwell thing first, then I'll time it. I'm fresh out of ideas here boys, could somebody help a girl out? I gotta cruise the main drag before the weather turns ugly! thanks

Are you sure you're meter is set on dwell and not volts?

Have you considered going HEI?

thanks gents! on the meter setting thing - dwell. my little meter has a 3 position switch - volts,dwell,rpm. besides, i dont think it would read 40 volts across the coil. on the HEI. its cool but i like keepin the 73 all 73!

katie...I would turn the adjusting screw of the point set clockwise slowly with the engine running until it starts to miss and turn it counterclockwise about one half turn and see if it smooths out.. That usually sets the dwell at about 30 degrees..Check with the dwell meter and see if it still says 40..I would guess maybe a defective meter...Better yet try and borrow one to compare..Did you buy all this from a Shucks type store ??...Their ignition is pretty low in quality.. Second rate point sets have rubbing blocks made from really cheap plastic.. I have had then wear down in the first half hour of running even with good cam lube...Without enough rubbing block the dwell will stay too high because the screw has run out of threads I use nothing but Standard Blue Streak Plus...Look on the internet for your local dealer and part numbers...It has to be their "PLUS" to get quality...HEI..HEI...HEI...HEI... all I ever hear is HEI. HEI...I know it is good but there is nothing wrong with point type distributers if the parts are of good quality...STOP buying your parts at Shucks and K-Mart !!!!....Step up and buy better parts..You don't have to "change them all the time" if they are not discount store junk...Stick to your guns and keep your car stock ..Well I have said it again and it felt good.....Regards ..Al...

Thanks Al! I am starting to think the meter might be goofy. Even though it is brand new (auto tune brand) that doesn't mean anything. The points are from carquest - $25 smackers for uniset!
With these, like all others, if the block were to wear down the points would just close up and the car stop running. Problem with these is if the block wears too much you can't adjust'em back to gap. I did run it back and forth til it ran nice and figured that would be okay for now but I went to the forum to get further help. I usually get parts from Napa or Carquest. They're big national outfits that are nothin but auto parts. Can ya get points and stuff from K-mart?! I've never thought of them as having anything good in the auto parts way. Car wax yes, car parts no. Thanks again

Hi Katie...Thank you for writing .I say K-Mart because they are cut rate.Like Wal-Mart etc...I just finished a 1961 Ford Falcon Ranchero that the owner bought and installed Shuck's junk ignition..He hired me to finish tuning etc...It left me stranded on the road because the cheap point set's rubbing block wore out in less than five miles!!!..The same goes for electronic parts..You buy the second rate stuff and you're asking for trouble...Let me know what you found..I might learn something...Regards...Al....