Checking timing

Yeh, the timing can change a little over time.... no pun intended. I think it is from timing chain strech and wear. (How do you spell strech?)

When you change the points and condenser,you change the timing. Even if the new parts are put back prefect,the old parts are worn. Set the dwell first then the timing. You need a tach-dwell meter and a timing light. Go electronic & all you need is a timing light.

Riley
     Dwell = degrees ( of a circle ) that the points are closed. Use the feeler gauge to set the points in the "ball park".Not sure but it it looks like it should be 24*-30* degrees "ish" depending on the year. The tach - dwell meter I have is an old craftsman I bought at a yard sale for $10 - 30 years ago - it still does the job! As the points wear, that changes. Change the parts ,start the engine & check the dwell - shut the engine off - use the feeler gauge with a "tight" or "loose" drag on the feeler gauge to tune the dwell. Get the dwell tweeked ,it should only the a couple of ajustments ,then set the timing. Dwell has a direct affect on timimg ,but; timing has no affect on dwell. If you can change the tune-up parts YOU CAN do it !