|
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 58
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 58 |
I searched past threads on how to check dwell on my '31 but didn't find much on it.
First, an explaination of what it checks would be helpful. My service manual doesn't mention it.
Second, procedures to check it (with dist. cap on/off?, car running?, etc.)
Last, Can you use a digital meter to check it or do you need a dwell meter (I'm thinking about getting one).
Thanks guys, jp
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 382
Backyard Mechanic
|
|
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 382 |
I've only used a feeler gauge to set the point gap. Nobody had dwell meters in 1931, so no dwell information in service manual.
George
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
Point gap is not the same as dwell.Dwell is a measure of time, in degrees.that the points are closed.If distributor cam is not worn the gap will be correct with the amount of dwell.Chevrolet first began posting dwell info in the mid '50's.Not even mentioned in the 1953 shop manual.They first recommended setting the points to the proper gap and then checking the dwell in the 1955 shop manual.
It states "after adjusting points to specifiactions,the cam angle or dwell may be checked if such equipmnet is available.Cam angle should be 26 to 33 degrees.If cam angle is less than specified minimum,check for defective or misaligned contact points or worn dist. cam lobes"..Than it goes on to state if dwell varys more than 3 degrees between idle and 1700 RPM a worn distributor is indicated.
I know it was common place to set points with a dwell meter before 1955,just quoting the manual.
I never bother to check dwell on my older cars and the lower speed engines seem to perform the same at most any setting.
Gene Schneider
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162
ChatMaster - 10,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162 |
to set the dwell connect the dwell meter as its instruction guide indicates and check it with the engine running, cap on etc, etc. check at idle and at 1500 or 1700 rpm if you have a tach .I set my points so I have a 30 degree dwell on the 53 and if there is appreciable difference in the dwell it is an indication of uneven contact points or distributor wear, as Gene said on the low speed engine it doesen't make too much difference, but it is a good tool to check the distributor and points. It may have some effect on milage ,but I doubt if it is enough to worry about. I have all kinds of gauges and meters so I use them. That is just my process for a tune up , clean and gap plugs, replace points, condenser, and rotor, check compression, check vacuum and fuel pump pressure check the dwell and timing. I also clean the air cleaner and change the oil, it is a good days job but I don't worry about the time. It is a good change of pace from fishing, working the garden, mowing, and just loafing.
Life's a long winding trail, love Jesus and ride a good horse!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863
Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
|
|
Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863 |
The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 58
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 58 |
Thanks guys for all the reply's. Seems like I didn't hear anyone say that it's that important as long as I adjust the point gap to tolerance. I guess since no-one thought it was critical, I won't purchase a dwell meter. I'm still wondering if a Multi meter would check the same things as a dwell meter if you knew how to use it. Thanks again, jp
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 382
Backyard Mechanic
|
|
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 382 |
AFIK most Multi-meters will only test for DC volts, AC volts, Ohms and Amps.
George
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,576 Likes: 2
ChatMaster - 2,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,576 Likes: 2 |
dwell meters work super for the 57 up delco distributors with the door to access points. start the old 57 up and adjust the points with engine running. more accurate than my old eyes trying to set points with a feeler gauge but as the other guys mentioned, the old six bangers that don't rev up as high as a small block chevy, will tolerate points set with feeler gauge. good luck, mike
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 382
Backyard Mechanic
|
|
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 382 |
Eyes? I thought that's why they were called "feeler" gauges.
Mr. Magoo
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,542
ChatMaster - 3,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,542 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
Gene Schneider
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863
Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
|
|
Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863 |
Ya, I can't throw a dime nearly as far as I used to! :eek: :eek: :( :( :(
The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,576 Likes: 2
ChatMaster - 2,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,576 Likes: 2 |
"can't throw dime as far" but as long as you can lift a 12 oz aluminum can, you're not ready to have the ground hogs deliver yer mail. mike
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 58
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 58 |
what's great about this site is that you not only get all the great chevy information but all the supplemental information about other things in life. :) :) Thanks everyone! jp 
|
|
|
|
|
