Why can't I set my dwell right?

[Handegard 10]

My book says the gap should be .021 and dwell is 27*

 

If I set the gap to .021, I get dwell of 18-19*. I have checked again, and gap is right.

 

The reason for my concern is that my understanding is that gap and dwell are 100% interlinked, and that if the gap IS correct, the dwell should also be on spec.

 

Something worn out?

 

Inaccurate dwell meter?

 

Something I'm doing wrong?

 

Any ideas? I've been stranded by this car twice in recent weeks, so it's getting parked until I'm 100% satisfied I've got the ignition setup perfect. I want to start driving it to work again ;)

[shelbyshelby 52]

I bet the distributer bushings are worn, just a little wear really wrecks havoc with points. I would set the points to obtain the correct dwell, it is much more important than gap. Points=maintenance

[LoneWolf2U 136]

First check the point set to insure the pads are closing flush to each other. sometimes it requires a slight bend to the arm to adjust.

Next is the dist cam lobes clean and lubed.

Is the ground strap connected and breaker advance plate moviing freely.

 

I have always set the gap with feeler guage first to get in the ballpark for starting then the dewell for performance.

[foothilltom 33]

You're not alone Handegard. Electronic ignition modules were created to eliminate the crappy game we all play to correctly tune the breaker points.