Spring is here and it's almost time to take my buick out once again I'd like to tune it up myself this year since i got all the gear to do it now. But nothing beat real life experience so I'm turning to you guys. Which should be done first ? - points gap - dwell - timing - mixture - idle As for timing the sticker in the hood says to set it at 6-7 degree. But i keep hearing some people running 10. I also hear people saying to set the timing using a vaccum gage. Wich method should i be using ? If you ever choose to reply could you make your answer like one of those "window for dummies" book :laugh: Thanks in advance Max
the best meathod for timing I've heard is keep turning it up until it starts to ping. Then go 2 or so degrees less than that.
Ok thanks for the timing tip. As for the order I'm thinking going for: 1- point gap 2- dwell 3- timing 4- idle 5- mixture Is that right ?
I would say mixture then idle... I was always told to set the mixture screws to where the idle was highest then adjust the idle screw so it idles at an acceptable spot... maybe I'm wrong though.
You are correct, Sir! One thing to reinforce: Set the idle low so that you can best hear what's going on As You Set The Mixure Screws. It wouldn't hurt to use a vacuum gauge for this.
One more thing about timing. Not sure if I'm using the right screw. But arent the point gap and the dwell on the same screw ? I'm a bit confused here. The dwell screw is the one you can access by that little door on the side of the distributor cap right ? Id that is true then what do you use to set point gap ?
set the dwell with a meter, then the point gap will be correct. The only time you need to adjust the gap is when you have a set that are way out of adjustment. Out of the box, every set of points I've ever installed would start the car, then I would adjust the dwell, and check the timing.
ok so im not hallucinating. the dwell and the gap use the same adjustment screw ? good clarifies things out.
Speedy's got it right.. Setting the Point Gap and Dwell both do the same thing, it just in 'how it's done'.. Setting the point gap refers to using a feeler gauge to manually set the gap between the points. Using a Dwell meter is easier and done with the car running. Set the Dwell first, then set the timing. Shut down engine. Take screwdriver and turn in each idle mix screw, "count how many turns they make" until lightly seated. Doing this gives you your original value and rescue spot should something go wrong. Turn both screw OUT 2 1/2 turns. Plug a vacuum gauge upto a manifold source and start engine. It should start and run fine, if a bit rough. Turn the curb idle screw out to lower the idle speed. Then, one at a time, turn the idle mix screws IN until it runs worse and vaccum drops (shouldn't take much if anything), then, back out each screw until you read the highest vaccum reading for each side of the carb. Make sure you keep a count on the number of turns each screw is out. As you turn the screws out your idle will come up as well as vacuum. When you've got the highest reading, make sure both screws are within a 1/2 turn of each other then reset the curb idle to specs. Congrats, your done.. If the engine is still a 'tad' rough, increase the curb idle a little, it'll smooth out. If you don't have a vacuum gauge, you can use a tachometer tho not as good will still work, adjust for highest rpm. All else fails, you can use your ears, but it's not such a good idea if you don't know whatcha listenin for.. Set the timing at 10*, Dwell @ 28* and Idle @ 650-750rpm Go for a drive.. It should feel pepier with more initial timing, if you want, set it to 12* and retest. As long as you don't get pinging or knocking anywhere, leave it and enjoy!
Thanks all of you for the great infos. It's up and running and I'm one happy buick owner Sometimes I wish car engine were as simple as aircraft's ones. again thanks Max
Ok, im also in the market for checking the dwell setting but what im interested is knowing how to do so. Im very clueless and kind of dumb so slow instructions are appreciated From what Im reading above I can set the dwell with a multimeter? how so?
Nivek, No, a MultiMeter won't do you anygood in setting the dwell.. Would prove highly useful if a switch didn't work or you were trying to diagram some wiring tho.. :grin: You want a Dwell Meter.. Usually they're part of a multi-testing unit. Head to Sears and take a look at the Engine Analyzer, it's got everything you need, tho is big and might cost more then you want to spend, but they should offer a scaled down version for less money. Hookup.. Duh.. Red and Black leads to Pos Bat and Ground, Green Aligator clip to negative side of the coil. Start'er up and set the meter to read Dwell and with your trusty allen key in hand, turn the screw to obtain 28* with new points. Spec is 30* +/- 2*. Happy Tuning!
