Whats the point gap setting for single points with a v8? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mikep · 06-16-2002, 11:14 PM

I'm trying to set the point gap on my chevy powered boat but Its been so long since I have set point gap on a set of single point that I have forgotten the setting. Whats the point gap setting for a v8 engine with single points. I do not have a dwell meter. Havent needed one in 18 years. .028" sounds familiar but it might be less than that.

batboy · 06-16-2002, 11:46 PM

Point gap should be 0.016" but it's much better and more accurate to use a dwell meter (30 degrees).

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 06-17-2002, 04:04 AM

The manual used to state: .016 for used points and .019 for new.
HTH

OhioDan · 06-17-2002, 04:55 AM

The point gap should be .018"-.022". Usually set at around .019"

batboy · 06-17-2002, 08:06 AM

Most of my references say .016", but my Haynes manual does say the same as what '68OrangeSunshine said, ".016 for used points and .019 for new."

LILREDGMC · 06-17-2002, 08:13 AM

The gap sounds right. Another stop gap measure. Install and start the vehicle. Turn the allen clockwise slowly until the motor dies. Turn one half turn CCW. The gap should be in the 28 - 32 degrees range for dwell. Works when you don't have all the meters and tools at your fingertips.

Hope it helps.

mikep · 06-17-2002, 12:47 PM

Ive got a non vacuum advance prestolite distributor in the boat. No allen wrench adjustment. Got to do it the old fashion way. I'd throw in a pertronix but on a boat that goes open ocean sometimes I'd rather carry a spare set of points and condenser than mess with electronics for the ignition.

batboy · 06-17-2002, 01:15 PM

Back in the late 70's, a buddy and I were cruising out in the country in my 68 Chevelle when the rubbing block on the points broke off. I happened to have a screwdriver and an old set of points in the glove box, but no feeler gauge. My buddy tells me that the cardboard cover on a book of matches was about the same as the point gap on a Chevy. I was doubtful, but we didn't have much choice, so that's what we used to set the points. Amazing enough, it ran good and got us back home. Later, when I put a dwell meter to it, I was surprised to see that it was very close to being right on.

06-16-2002, 11:14 PM	#1
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Whats the point gap setting for single points with a v8? I'm trying to set the point gap on my chevy powered boat but Its been so long since I have set point gap on a set of single point that I have forgotten the setting. Whats the point gap setting for a v8 engine with single points. I do not have a dwell meter. Havent needed one in 18 years. .028" sounds familiar but it might be less than that. __________________ No truck :-(

06-16-2002, 11:46 PM	#2
batboy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Kansas, USA Posts: 175	Point gap should be 0.016" but it's much better and more accurate to use a dwell meter (30 degrees). __________________ 1972 Chevy 3/4 ton Camper Special 1970 Chevy big block parts truck 1989 Chevy Blazer Silverado 4X4

06-17-2002, 04:04 AM	#3
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,504	The manual used to state: .016 for used points and .019 for new. HTH __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

06-17-2002, 04:55 AM	#4
OhioDan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA Posts: 1,404	The point gap should be .018"-.022". Usually set at around .019" __________________ LIFE AIN'T EASY WHEN YER FAT AND GREASY! GMC= Got More Class! 1970 GMC LWB, Fleetside, 350/4spd, Flowmaster "40's", 2002 GMC 16" Rallies, cowl hood,and added a bunch of options that weren't there when I started.

06-17-2002, 08:06 AM	#5
batboy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Kansas, USA Posts: 175	Most of my references say .016", but my Haynes manual does say the same as what '68OrangeSunshine said, ".016 for used points and .019 for new." __________________ 1972 Chevy 3/4 ton Camper Special 1970 Chevy big block parts truck 1989 Chevy Blazer Silverado 4X4

06-17-2002, 08:13 AM	#6
LILREDGMC Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA Posts: 461	Points The gap sounds right. Another stop gap measure. Install and start the vehicle. Turn the allen clockwise slowly until the motor dies. Turn one half turn CCW. The gap should be in the 28 - 32 degrees range for dwell. Works when you don't have all the meters and tools at your fingertips. Hope it helps.

06-17-2002, 12:47 PM	#7
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Ive got a non vacuum advance prestolite distributor in the boat. No allen wrench adjustment. Got to do it the old fashion way. I'd throw in a pertronix but on a boat that goes open ocean sometimes I'd rather carry a spare set of points and condenser than mess with electronics for the ignition. __________________ No truck :-(

06-17-2002, 01:15 PM	#8
batboy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Kansas, USA Posts: 175	Back in the late 70's, a buddy and I were cruising out in the country in my 68 Chevelle when the rubbing block on the points broke off. I happened to have a screwdriver and an old set of points in the glove box, but no feeler gauge. My buddy tells me that the cardboard cover on a book of matches was about the same as the point gap on a Chevy. I was doubtful, but we didn't have much choice, so that's what we used to set the points. Amazing enough, it ran good and got us back home. Later, when I put a dwell meter to it, I was surprised to see that it was very close to being right on. __________________ 1972 Chevy 3/4 ton Camper Special 1970 Chevy big block parts truck 1989 Chevy Blazer Silverado 4X4 Last edited by batboy; 06-17-2002 at 01:18 PM.



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