Dual point dist dwell angles

[Mike Szadaj]

1968 Coronet RT, 440 basically stock except for mild cam. When building the engine and car, my buddy gave me a Mopar OEM dual point distributor. Got the car on the road last August. This year the engine started running rough. I took off the distributor cap and saw one set of points was fried. Not very good mileage for brand new points (especially when you have to consider the car was not driven during the winter). Please tell me if this is the correct procedure for setting dual points.
1. Adjust both sets of points to a gap of .014" - .019" with feeler gages
2. Check dwell both points together (37' - 42')
3. Disconnect one set of points and check dwell of the other (27' - 32')
4. Reconnect those points and disconnect the other set and check for dwell (27' - 32')
5. If necessary, readjust gaps until all 3 dwell readings are within range

 

[khryslerkid]

Set the primary set with a dwell to 32-34* with the secondary points blocked off. (Piece of cardboard between points).

Remove cardboard and set total by adjusting the secondary set only.

 

[Mike Szadaj]

OK, KK, I have two questions. Where did you get the 32-34 degrees from? My numbers come from a 1968 Motors Manual and a AC engine tune-up guide. Which set is the primary and which is the secondary?
Thanks for the help.
Mike

 

[Mike Szadaj]

I got the answer to the primary question (first to open).

 

[mrhemi]

kryslerkid's answer is basically from the FSM. The FSM method works very well.

 

[HALIFAXHOPS]

His numbers are right (Mikes). Bet the condenser failed, really common with the new parts they are mostly junk.

 

[khryslerkid]

Sorry @Mike Szadaj . It was late posting that and I could have been more specific.

I ment to say you want your total to be 32-34* after setting the secondary set.

You've figured out that the primary is the first set to open. Say as your TDC mark on the balancer is coming close as you rotate the engine, you'll witness the one point set starting to open. That's the primary set. Bump it a little more and as that set starts to close the secondary set starts to open.

Another correction on my part...
Set the dwell on the primary set to 26* while blocking the secondary set.

Then unblock the secondary set and using this set and this set only adjust until the total dwell is 32-34*. As accurate as a dwell meter can be you'll probably come in at 33*.

Recheck timing afterwards.

Make sure you never leave your ignition switch on when the engine isn't running. That will burn up a set of points quicker than anything. A set of points not closing completely will burn up quickly also. (Set too wide) Good luck!

 

[HALIFAXHOPS]

Where did those numbers come from the OP was spot on. Just curious.

 

[khryslerkid]

Where did those numbers come from the OP was spot on. Just curious.

You talking to me?

I'm going to call those numbers "universal". They'll get you what you need and by setting the secondary set will fine tune the total to what's recommended. It's a little easier than going back and forth between the two sets. One set can be different from the other (within reason) as long as the total works out. (V8 eight lobe distributors)

The FMS on my '62 wants 27-32* blocking one set of points at a time, then the total should be 34-40*

My old Mallory likes 32-34* total

 

[RJRENTON]

1968 Coronet RT, 440 basically stock except for mild cam. When building the engine and car, my buddy gave me a Mopar OEM dual point distributor. Got the car on the road last August. This year the engine started running rough. I took off the distributor cap and saw one set of points was fried. Not very good mileage for brand new points (especially when you have to consider the car was not driven during the winter). Please tell me if this is the correct procedure for setting dual points.
1. Adjust both sets of points to a gap of .014" - .019" with feeler gages
2. Check dwell both points together (37' - 42')
3. Disconnect one set of points and check dwell of the other (27' - 32')
4. Reconnect those points and disconnect the other set and check for dwell (27' - 32')
5. If necessary, readjust gaps until all 3 dwell readings are within range

IMO...
There are several methods: FSM method, set gaps independently with a feeler gauges, set dwell independently. My method: I pull the distributor and place on a bench vice to hold the unit lightly. Install new points and condenser using small ignition wrenches for access (better access when out if car). Set both points to 0.016" - 0.018" to allow for rubbing block wear. Make sure the break set of points are ventilated (small hole on stationary contact) the make set does not matter but if both are ventilated ok.
Short life is USUALLY DUE to condenser going bad OR incorrect values of ballast resistor. The correct value is 0.5 ohms when using the Mopar coil (not any of the "high voltage high output types"). Just my opinion of course.
BOB RENTON