Anyone measure distributor dwell?

[1969Mk3Spitfire]

I recently acquired a digital meter that includes a dwell function. Does anyone use dwell as a means to set the points? Any experience to share?

What is the dwell spec for the 1296 FD engine?

Thanks

[Colin Lindsay]

42 - 45 at 8 degrees BTDC. I think.... or is that Herald 1360 only?

[poppyman]

16 minutes ago, 1969Mk3Spitfire said:

I recently acquired a digital meter that includes a dwell function. Does anyone use dwell as a means to set the points? Any experience to share?

What is the dwell spec for the 1296 FD engine?

Thanks

I always use a dwell meter when setting points as it's more accurate and enables you to get the timing spot on as well. Not sure of the dwell reading for yours but it should tell you in the manual. 

Tony.

[poppyman]

3 minutes ago, Colin Lindsay said:

42 - 45 at 8 degrees BTDC. I think....

You set the timing after setting the dwell Colin, or have i got it wrong? 

Tony.   

[Colin Lindsay]

Timing should be the last thing set, after the points are adjusted, if I'm right. That note of mine in the Haynes manual would be easier read if I'd written it as 42 - 45 AND 8 degrees BTDC.

I've just found this during a quick search on Spitfires:

Contact points: Gap 0.015in. (Mark 2, 0.020in.) corresponding with dwell angle reading of 36 +/- 1 degrees (1967 and earlier cars), or 41 +/- 1 degrees (1968/69 examples), or 39 +/- 1 degrees (Mark IV), or 51 +/- 5 degrees (1500). 

[poppyman]

3 minutes ago, Colin Lindsay said:

Timing should be the last thing set, after the points are adjusted, if I'm right. That note of mine in the Haynes manual would be easier read if I'd written it as 42 - 45 AND 8 degrees BTDC.

I've just found this during a quick search on Spitfires:

Contact points: Gap 0.015in. (Mark 2, 0.020in.) corresponding with dwell angle reading of 36 +/- 1 degrees (1967 and earlier cars), or 41 +/- 1 degrees (1968/69 examples), or 39 +/- 1 degrees (Mark IV), or 51 +/- 5 degrees (1500). 

See what you mean  we are both right 

Tony.

[Pete Lewis]

i would say if the cam and the position of the points are as designed and the gap is as specified then the dwell will  be what its supposed to be 

as all you can alter is the points gap and thats a fixed size , so theres no point in dwelling on anything

Pete