So when I replaced the points in my Cutlass a few months ago, the manual insisted I check the point dwell. So I went out and bought a combo Dwell/Volt/Tach meter (it's all that was available) and hooked it up. The dwell read exactly within spec after disconnecting/capping the distributor vacuum advance line, which I found suspicious. Should I need to adjust the dwell?

 

The dwell must be adjusted only if it is not within specs. Someone last week I think did a lengthy explanation of what the dwell is and how it works. Next time you do the points get a Pertronix unit and eliminate the points.

 

or switch to the h.e.i. system


bill

 

Dwell is constant, it should be 28-32 degrees. The ignition TIMING should change (if it is hooked up to manifold vacuum), not the dwell.

 

Dwell is the number of degrees of distributor rotation that the points are closed. The dwell is directly related to:

1) How close the point gap is set (variable)

2) The lobes on the distributor shaft which open and close the points (not variable)

So you set your dwell by setting your point gap.