Dwell angle allows time for coil to be energized
On the single cylinder dwell angle is not an issue, as the points are closed a very long time, and this allows the DC current thru the primary coil winding time to establish the magnetic field before it collapses when the points open, thereby inducing the high voltage in the secondary for the needed spark. I just read that on the 6-8 cylinder cars the dwell is important to allow this time with the points closed. We learn something every day. So many years of setting dwell angles, and I never knew this. I just thought it established the time of point opening. Not so, but this is what we do with the static timing method here.
I had set my gap last fall after I got my 149, as I gave up on finding the timing mark. Recently, I removed the engine for other repairs, and found the timing marks after rotating the flywheel and sanding to beat the devil. I set the points opening right on the "SP" mark with my Ohm Meter.
Eric of the Green Mountains
|