how do I remove my centrifugal advance, or do I need to?

I'm trying to replace and adjust the points on my 198 and I can't see how to adjust them once they are installed with the centfugal advance still attached. Am I dumb or are they supposed to be removed for this procedure. thanks

 

A pictur would help, I have never seen a distributor that needed anything removed to adjust the points. If you don't have a picture try to find one on the web that is close.
Usually to adjust the points you simply loosen a screw and insert a smaller or larger shim in the points and tighten the screw or in the case of a delco you use an allen wrench thru a little window in the cap.

 

I don't have a picture. The centrifugal advance is right above the points and I don't see how you could get a feeler gauge under it to adjust the points. My cap does have a window but I was under the impression that was for adjusting the dwell.

 

The dwell is the point gap. Simply a more accurate way of setting the point gap. If it is a delco distributor they make a small right angle screw driver (mentioned above) to rougly set the points and then use a dwell meter and set it after the motor is running and ignore the point gap.

 

i was told on this forum that dwell is the amount of time in rotation the points are closed to energize the coil

 

It is. The larger the gap, the less they are closed, therefore the less dwell.

 

That is true, but you will see that adjusting the points changes the dwell as well.

 

and dwell affects timing degree for degree so the dwell should be set before the timing is this true? correct me if i am wrong

 

My order of preference is to set the idle, then set timing, then set dwell and then reset timing and correct if necessary.

 

The easiest way to adjust a windowed GM dist is from the outside. The points use an allen wrench(simply take the points over to your tool box and find the right size. The tool manafactures used to sell a flexable adjustment tool that made the job easier). Replace the points, insert the allen, hook up your dwell meter, start the engine. Rotate the allen wrench untill your meter says 30 degrees. Reset the timing and your done. You might want to wrap some electrical tape arouind the allen wrench, as it can give you a little electrical bite.

 

for such an old school system of ignition.... you guys got an amasing grip on it i was recintly talking with a young automotive tech arrentice who is working at my buddies shop.......had NO idea what points, dwell, carberator were they just dont cover it at school anymore. that is why he was working at my buddies shop, he wanted to learn how to be a "real" mechanic he said.

the way my dad showed me was to set the gap with the lip from a cigaret pack, set the timing, run it and set the dwell with that springgy thing then recheck your timing.

 

I'm not exactly a kid, I actually remember when Chrysler invented the electronic
igniton, my 1st 3 cars had points on them and I converted 1 of them to a later model electronic distributor.

 

Steve I only have a limited amount of life left in me, so we'll leave that question to the woulda, shoulda, coulda category.

I could then ask him how to set up the mechanical advance on the same distributor.

 

I guess I was a few years ahead of you. Before the electronic ignition came out I really admired the point / dwell adjustment window on the distributor in my Jeep. I had a 67 Dodge van and adjusting the points on it was a real chore. I had to remove the engine covers and it was still a stinker. I checked around and found a GM distributor with the same vacuum and centrifugal characteristcs. On the lathe it wasn't too hard to adapt it to the 318 in the van.

Point replacement was soooo much easier after that.

When I sold the van I don't think the new owner appreciated how much easier it would be. I did tell him to ask for GM points when the time came.

 

Mike: I can still remember Merc 300 SL's with Paper Plates on them! I first put a aftermarket CD ignition on my '52 Mercury with a flat head V8 in it. My '64 Chevelle SS had a Malory dual point in it.

I do appreciate the new HEI's and such. Hardest part of a tune up is the cap and rotor.

 

In a bind used to fold double thickness of the side of a beercan (est .20 at the time)to set the points. My first car had had dual points and I still have in my tool box the tool with the screwdriver handle on one end and the holder for an allen wrench on the other(flexable adjustment tool) we used to have to use to set them with way back on the back of the engine. Guess that's why I really liked Fords and Buicks back then.

 

Still got one.

 

Almost useless nowadays other than as a piece of nostalga.