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8N Dwell?

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Bruce (VA)

10-16-2003 05:30:25




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I came across my circa 1975 Sears tach/dwell meter this weekend; just for grins, I checked the dwell on the front-mount N's. It was 26 degrees on the '50, and 28 on the '51. Assuming the points and timing are set by the book, does anyone know what the dwell should be on these tractors? (These readings will be off a bit from whatever they are supposed to be, because I always set the points at .26, and the timing at 5 or 6 BTDC) Also, if I get really bored this winter, am I correct in assuming that to check the dwell on the front-mount that I will need to get a wire attached to the points and run it outside under the cap to attach the test lead?

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Bob

10-16-2003 20:28:40




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 Re: 8N Dwell? in reply to Bruce (VA), 10-16-2003 05:30:25  
From the FAMOUS I and T Manual FO-4, Paragraph 54 (for front mount distributor) contact gap .015, dwell 35 - 38 degrees. Wow, what an informative book!



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Roland (AL)

10-16-2003 12:58:44




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 Re: 8N Dwell? in reply to Bruce (VA), 10-16-2003 05:30:25  
Front mount Ns .015. Side mount .025. Right?



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Double your ....

10-16-2003 12:45:27




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 Re: 8N Dwell? in reply to Bruce (VA), 10-16-2003 05:30:25  
Indicated reading on 8 cylinder scale for 4cylinder application. Therefore with your points set slightly wider than specifications, expected dwell would be less then specified or 52* and 56* is in the ball park figures Dell gave.

HTH

ATW/WA



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Bruce (VA)

10-16-2003 10:30:31




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 Re: 8N Dwell? in reply to Bruce (VA), 10-16-2003 05:30:25  
Tnx Clint & Dell! Yes, it was a typo; I set the points at 0.026, not .26; I set them a bit wider than the book calls for at 0.025 to allow for wear, and set the timing basically by ear, but not more than 2 or 3 degrees from the 4 degree spec.



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Dell (WA)

10-16-2003 08:55:57




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 Re: 8N Dwell? in reply to Bruce (VA), 10-16-2003 05:30:25  
Bruce..... ....typically, dwell is about 2/3 the degrees of dizzy rotation between points opening. 100% dwell onnna 4 cylinder is 90 degrees. So typically, dwell should be about 60 degrees for 4 cylinder engine. Same rule for 6 cylinders, 60* rotation, dwell = 45*; 8 cyls 45* rott, dwell = 30*.

I always adjust for min dwell spec (max points opening) because as points rubbing block wears, points close and increases dwell; it makes the tune-up last longer. I like dwell because it doesn't get the gap measurement incorrect if'n yer points have "deposits" on them as a feeler gauge will.

As to why you have dwell measurements of 26* & 28* instead of the expected "60's", I would suspect might have sumptin to do with positive ground and dwell meter transistorized gutts. I'm hoping that yer reported points gap of .26 is a typo 'cuz the sidemount points gap is really suppost to be 0.025. (but as I noted, wide gap, less dwell)

As for dwell on frontmount, take yer 4-nipple crabcap off and connect to the points inside the distributor body. You don't haffta have the cap on to check dwell, just rotor outta the way. Howsomevers, Yer gonna have a difficult time adjusting your frontmount points to correct dwell with the distributor mounted to front of block. But you know that ennyways, don't you?..... ..respectfully, Dell

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Clint

10-16-2003 08:55:24




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 Re: 8N Dwell? in reply to Bruce (VA), 10-16-2003 05:30:25  
I am puzzled why you would even care what the dwell is supposed to be when you chose to set your point gap more than 50% wider than recommended. Your dwell will not even be close. The only real reason to measure point gap electronically instead of physically is the old GM distributors with the window in the cap. As the rubbing block wore down, you could adjust the points with the engine running and not even have to take off the cap. The irony was that a lot of the rub block wear was caused by dirt infiltrating through the unsealed window. This convenience also caused a lot of neglect such as failure to keep the mechanical advance cleaned and lubricated. A swinging needle on your dwell meter can help you diagnose worn distributor bushings, but again, if you remove your distributor so that you can properly clean, lube, and inspect it, you'd see that, wouldn't you? Throw that silly meter in the trash and just take care of your distributor, adjust the points properly, and your dwell WILL be in spec. You just don't to know what it is.

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bg

10-17-2003 08:45:19




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 Re: Re: 8N Dwell? in reply to Clint , 10-16-2003 08:55:24  
Which is the more likely scenario?

Scene: southern farm field, early 50's.
Cast: Jeb(farmer) and Zeke(hired hand)

Zeke: "hey Jeb! The 8N ain't runnin' right!"
Jeb:" Well, let me go the 45 miles to town and get a dwell meter. That thing's probably out a few degrees."

OR:

Zeke: "hey, Jeb! The 8N ain't runnin' right!"
Jeb: "Gimme a screwdriver and lemme look at it."



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