MF 135 Distributor

How do you check to make sure your points are gapped correctly? I have the tool that you need - but no one seems to know how to do it.

Also how do you check the timing of the distributor?

(I had to replace my service manual and I haven't gotten it yet) So I apologize if this is a basic question - no one around where I grew seems to know or care.

Christos

Fundamental is that with the point rubbing block on the top of a cam lobe, the point mounting is adjusted for the factory prescribed gap. Though some GM products were ajusted with a dwell meter while running to set the ratio of the time closed and the time open. But those had to be set initally for some gap or the engine wouldn't run.

Timing varies in how its checked. Generally there's a timing mark on the flywheel or the crankshaft pulley. One sometimes uses a timing light (which can be a large neon bulb wired in series with #1 plug) to flash and illuminate that timing mark while the engine is running at the speed the factory has prescribed for setting timing. Or sometimes one connects a test light across the points and rotates the engine foward by hand until the points open and the light lights. Again as specified by the factory. One checks the distributor advance by varying the engine speed and noticing the change in timing with the timing light. It is important that the timing vary with the engine speed, else the engine will not run well or efficiently at most speeds.

Gerald J.