Dwell Angle ?

[Deleted]

Hi, Mike here again in Norfolk.
Brieifly - my son and I both bought 3.5 saloons recently.
Both have problems. My sons has an overheating problem, and I have asked questions about that under the engine section.
It is a 1968 model, and as part of the top end sort out I found the contact points were in a very poor state. I have ordered a set, but when I read the manual it warns about setting the 'Dwell angle' ?? This is important it says, or you could damage the engine ?? Is this true ?
Can someone tell me what it is , and do I need to obtain a Dwell meter ?
Can't the points be fitted and set in the normal way ?
On our other car, I've yet to sort out all the other charging and electrical problems, so I'll be back !!
Many thanks,
Mike and Richard.

[harvey]

A points gap of 15 thou can be used to get things started, but then a dwell meter should be used. The dwell angle should be 26 to 28 degrees.

[Phil Nottingham]

With the V8 the dwell angle is crucial to smooth running, idling and starting so a meter should alwys be used. This is particulary important if timing has been retarded to reduce pinking with unleaded petrol so that the minimum possible retard can be had

[Deleted]

Thanks Phil, but where do we get a meter from ?
Mike

[Keith - Portsmouth]

They are widely available. Here's one example -

www.machinemart.co.uk/product.asp?p=010910445&r=2057&g=107

Keith

[Deleted]

Thanks Keith, I went to machine Mart and bought one this morning.
Worked a treat !!
Mike