Dizzy query

[jp928]

I recently refurbed a 35dm8 dizzy to get it ready to go into my 3.9 with an SD1 front cover. I think its out of a 10.5:1 CR engine, LU 41176. I got it all back together OK (I thought?), but getting the points gap to 15thou was difficult - the spring on the dwell setting is pretty muich coil bound, and it needs a spanner to adjust it. Turns fine, vauum works.
Any suggestions as to what I might have done wrong please?

 

[mikecoombs]

You are aware those distributors adjust the point gap externally? using the little hex bar? not by adjusting the points themselves? the points themselves can be adjusted but the range is limited by where the actual adjustment screw happens to be sitting. Likewise the points need to be screwed down with the adjustment somewhere near the middle so you don't run up against the end of travel...Intent of the external adjuster is so you can set the dwell (gap) with the engine running using a meter. Doing so doesn't alter the timing, just the dwell. Timing is adjusted using the usual process. In order to keep the dwell in the same spot you do need a spanner to turn the adjuster, there is a spring in there like an idle screw in a carb.

P.S. I usually use a 1/4" ratchet and socket so i don't drop the spanner into the moving fan next door

 

[jp928]

Thanks. I was under the impression the only adjustment was the dwell knob. I think you are saying I can adjust the gap separately? Not according to the book...

 

[mikecoombs]

In practice the points can be moved on the plate then clamped with the screw. final adjustment with the external dwell knob. You can see how much room you have for the dwell screw as its on top of the plate from memory

 

[jp928]

Looked into this again today. There was a tiny bit of room to move the points under the screw, but not enough, so I removed them and enlarged the hole towards the outside edge and eventually got a 15thou gap with the dwell adjuster much closer to the middle of its travel. Hopefully that will do the job.