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Old 04-18-2020, 04:55 PM   #1
keyswitch1
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Default point gap ??

What should it be set at ?? Thank you !!
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Old 04-18-2020, 05:11 PM   #2
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Default Re: point gap ??

Between .018 and .021
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Old 04-18-2020, 05:12 PM   #3
keyswitch1
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Default Re: point gap ??

Thank you !!
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Old 04-18-2020, 05:19 PM   #4
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Default Re: point gap ??

Ideal = .019 thou. Most all set at .020 because it will soon be .019 because of point block wear. Set between .018 - .022 are spec parameters. If not within these, reset at .020
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Last edited by sphanna; 04-18-2020 at 05:22 PM. Reason: sorry, I stepped on (redmodelt). He gave you a good answer. sorry
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Old 04-18-2020, 07:19 PM   #5
Patrick L.
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Default Re: point gap ??

.020" and set before setting/adjusting timing.
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Old 04-18-2020, 07:58 PM   #6
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Default Re: point gap ??

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You can’t go wrong at .020”
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Old 04-18-2020, 08:19 PM   #7
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Default Re: point gap ??

Mine is .020.
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Old 04-18-2020, 08:34 PM   #8
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Default Re: point gap ??

I just roll the dice and let Odin decide
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Old 04-19-2020, 09:38 AM   #9
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Default Re: point gap ??

More gap advances the timing . less gap retards . Ford recommended that the points gap be adjusted at anywhere from eighteen to twenty two thousants . I usually set mine at twenty two thousands for quicker throttle response and more time before the points will need to be readjusted . When the points wear the gap closes . When the gap closes to less than eighteen thousands the engine loses power and may not run at all …

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Old 04-26-2020, 10:02 AM   #10
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Default Re: point gap ??

I don't always have feeler gauges handy, but this is a little trick I figured out and find very handy.

The standard threads for the adjusting screw on the ignition points is 32 threads per inch. I put the points on the high part of the cam, turn the adjusting screw in until the points just close (a powered test light helps), then I turn it out 5/8 of a turn, which is easy enough to eyeball. That will put you right at 19 thousandths.

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Old 04-26-2020, 11:52 AM   #11
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Default Re: point gap ??

Quote:
Originally Posted by KGBnut View Post
I don't always have feeler gauges handy, but this is a little trick I figured out and find very handy.

The standard threads for the adjusting screw on the ignition points is 32 threads per inch. I put the points on the high part of the cam, turn the adjusting screw in until the points just close (a powered test light helps), then I turn it out 5/8 of a turn, which is easy enough to eyeball. That will put you right at 19 thousandths.

Ken
That is a really neat way to figure it, never heard that before.
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Old 04-26-2020, 03:33 PM   #12
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Default Re: point gap ??

Another way to get the same results is to use the heel of the cam where points just touch closed. Now use the point adjusting screw to open the points by first turning by 180 degrees and then continue another 45 degrees. Now your points are at exactly 19 thousands. Easy to do by eyeball. this gives you the same as 5/8 turn. there is a post in the search about setting points without feeler gage.
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Old 04-26-2020, 03:39 PM   #13
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Default Re: point gap ??

Ken, I am confused and not a great Model A guy but it would seem like you should set the can when the points just touch the LOW part of the cam rather than the HIGH point. Am I all messed up in my thinking?
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Old 04-26-2020, 09:21 PM   #14
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Default Re: point gap ??

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Originally Posted by Fred K OR View Post
Ken, I am confused and not a great Model A guy but it would seem like you should set the can when the points just touch the LOW part of the cam rather than the HIGH point. Am I all messed up in my thinking?

You set the points when the points are fully open, that occurs when the rubbing block is on the high point of the cam.


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Old 04-27-2020, 02:31 PM   #15
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Default Re: point gap ??

Chris W is correct.
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Old 04-27-2020, 07:45 PM   #16
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: point gap ??

There is a great tool that slips over the distributor cam that makes it possible to set the points at any time without having to turn the engine to locate high cam . After the points are adjusted , just remove the tool , replace the cap and go .
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Old 04-27-2020, 07:54 PM   #17
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Default Re: point gap ??

Not inexpensive. I have one, works OK.




https://www.brattons.com/quick-set-p...ting-tool.html
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Old 04-27-2020, 08:22 PM   #18
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Default Re: point gap ??

Since point gap has a small effect on initial timing, it's good to remember that once the point gap is correct and the initial timing is set according to Ford factory procedure, all you have to do is periodically check point gap and reset if needed. The distributor cam will never need resetting again for the life of the engine (or the timing gears wear out).

And don't forget that actual ignition timing (with engine running) is set by the timing lever on the steering column. Some guys seem to make a ritual of "adjusting" the timing every rainy Saturday and every other sunny Saturday when all they have to do is check the point gap!
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Old 04-27-2020, 08:56 PM   #19
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Default Re: point gap ??

40 Deluxe the guys you are referring to are the tinkers. They can never leave things be. They are the ones who will never install electronic ignition in their cars because they would go nuts not having something to tinker with.
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Old 04-27-2020, 09:00 PM   #20
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Default Re: point gap ??

Quote:
Originally Posted by CT Jack View Post
40 Deluxe the guys you are referring to are the tinkers. They can never leave things be. They are the ones who will never install electronic ignition in their cars because they would go nuts not having something to tinker with.
Pretty much.
Or craft electronic ignition from scratch for the fun of it. (i believe in both!)
Not sure how other people keep their minds active.
I've meet too many people who's minds are either inactive, or activated by the wrong things...
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