Setting dwell angle - meter or feeler gauge

[joe_db]

I switched back to points and summoned rusty skills to set the point gap with my feeler gauge.
Do you all use a dwell meter or just set the gap and call it a day?
Also noticed that setting the static timing to TDC was very close to max RPM when I did the final adjustment at full throttle.

[hanleyclifford]

I always use a dwell meter to set points. Your timing sounds good - I just use the strobe light to confirm max centrifugal advance.

[67c&ccorv]

Why did you switch back to points???:(

[joe_db]

Endless issues with coils. See previous thread.
EDIT - The Indigo system has caused me endless issues.
Before, when I had points, the only problem was if water got on/in the distributor. That was annoying, but easy enough to fix with WD-40. The Indigo system, for reasons I can't explain for sure, seems to first make the coils intermittent and then kill them dead. The last one was going downwind and downcurrent towards a closed drawbridge :eek:
The points might have starting issues when damp, but they never quit under way.



Why did you switch back to points???:(

[Dave Neptune]

Joe, I can certainly understand that you are reluctant ot use tha electronic ignition with the problems you have been having. I installed an Indigo I think about 6~7 years ago and I am still using the same coil. Have you discussed this with Tom at Indigo?

I have a feeling that you may be having a voltage issue and not an ignition problem causing the coils to fail. Some coils are rated @ 12 volts and others are rated @ I think it is 8 volts BUT WITH THE USE of a resistor (ballast type) to reduce the voltage to acceptable levels, a common automotive application. I know that the A-4's with the delco distributor came with a 12 volt coil and if you wsitch to an automotive you will fry the coil if it is rated to be used with the resistor.

Dave Neptune:cool:

[joe_db]

The last 2 coils to die were Indigo coils. It isn't 6 volt coils dying on me - wish it was that easy.
I discovered the Indigo unit once constantly "pulsing" the coil when the engine was not turning over. The only thing I can think of is it has some kind of failure mode that will overheat and kill the coil. I ran out of patience and coils. I also found 3 sets of points in a box, so I am set for a long time.
Tom had no idea what was going on either. Nice guy - he sent me extra coils awhile ago :D

Joe, I can certainly understand that you are reluctant ot use tha electronic ignition with the problems you have been having. I installed an Indigo I think about 6~7 years ago and I am still using the same coil. Have you discussed this with Tom at Indigo?

I have a feeling that you may be having a voltage issue and not an ignition problem causing the coils to fail. Some coils are rated @ 12 volts and others are rated @ I think it is 8 volts BUT WITH THE USE of a resistor (ballast type) to reduce the voltage to acceptable levels, a common automotive application. I know that the A-4's with the delco distributor came with a 12 volt coil and if you wsitch to an automotive you will fry the coil if it is rated to be used with the resistor.

Dave Neptune:cool:

[Dave Neptune]

Joe, did you consider replacing the unit, or sending it to Indigo for an evaluation? Mine has worked flawlessly and I have helped install a few of the Indigo's as well as the Pertronics units with no coil issues whatsoever. I have used the Pertronics in many a VW dune buggy with no problems and they take a beating.

FYI the 8 volt coils were for use on 12 volt systems and the 6 volt systems used an entirely different coil.

As a curiosity note have you checked the voltage at the coil when the engine was running?

Good luck.
Dave Neptune:cool:

[67c&ccorv]

I have switched to the Pertronix unit and the only problem I have had with coils was due to my own mistake in using a coil with the incorrect ohm resistance and then leaving the ignition on over the weekend (my warning buzzer wasn't hooked up at the time) - both times I burned out the ignition module.:(

Switched to the Flamethrower coil from Moyer and hooked up my ignition warning buzzer and have not had a problem since.:)

I think there is soomething wrong with your ignition circuit wiring and/or the components you have hooked up in it.