Is a Dwell meter worth it for setting points

[chicken]

Just checking my timing etc on the BJ7 and there is alot of mention on different sites about using a dwell meter to set the points accurately, is it worth getting one of these or can it be done just as well with a feeler gauge. If so where can i get one in the UK.

 

[mikespain]

It is a more accurate way to set the points,should be able to get one from any good accesory shop/factors,halfords etc.Easy to use aswell

 

[Cottontop]

IMO A feeler set is usually good'nuff OR buy a Pertronix module and forget about both dwell and points.

If you were racing it might make a slight difference, but for street driving, you'll never see it.

Tim

 

[tahoe healey]

I bought a dwell many years ago for big bucks. Last summer I found a beautiful, bakeolite one like new from the 50s for $3.00 at a flee market (he came down from $5.00). I actually use it more and keep it in the car because the points tend to wear and the "foot" wears also. When the points get pitted the feeler doesn't work so well. I use the feeler for set up then adjust with the meter. They usually have ohm meters built-in so it is a great thing to carry in the boot.

 

[JamesWilson]

I use the feeler for set up then adjust with the meter. They usually have ohm meters built-in so it is a great thing to carry in the boot.

An automotive multimeter will have a dwell meter capability and is a useful piece of equipment to carry.

These are available from most larger auto factors and companies like Halford's or Maplin (Electronics); you could try the UK manufacturer's like Gunson, Draper, Sealey, Clarke etc. to see what they offer.

Here's an example:

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produc...ostic-equipment

£20 is fairly average for a good, basic one; fancier ones will cost more.

It helpful to have both pointed probes and clip on connectors.

 

[johnea]

I would recommend using a dwell meter,especially on older distributors with a bit of play in the shaft. Using a feeler gauge just is not accurate enough.

 

[chicken]

Thanks James

I have a Clarkes store near me will pop in there, didn'y realise a dwell meter was included on a multimeter, i have one in the shed perhaps that may have it on !!

 

[glemon]

It is probably a good tool, but I have worked on my various brit cars for 30 years(!) now without one and haven't blown anything up yet.

 

[RonMacPherson]

As you have already been told a dwell meter is a valuable addition to any owner who performs repairs/tuneup on their vehicles.

As it has been brought up that if the condensor is not doing its job and the points start transferring metal, becoming pitted, a dwell meter will give you a more precise measurement, or if someone forgets to lube the rubbing block on the points and they wear prematurely and adjustment is needed more frequently, then a meter is a good tool to have.

A good dwell meter will also have a degree of needle sensitivity and if you watch your needle reading bouncing 4% or more then it's letting you know that the shaft bushings are in need of attention.

Almost all professional(and a lot of hobbyist) auto meters(multimeters) will include a dwell meter along with ohm, volt, amp and often farad testing.... So shop the meter manufacturers content.

Even the timing lights are getting into the act with some of the newer(less than 10 years old) timing lights are including dwell readings... So if you already have an ohm/voltmeter and need a dwell meter, you might be able to combine that with the purchase of a timing light. I know AutZone/Checkers, out here in Hawaii has a timing light with dwell meter that sold for just over 130 a couple of years ago.

 

[57_100_6]

I have always used a dwell meter just to double check settings. Usually it turns out pretty close. You should be able to find one fairly inexpensive in the UK if so inclined. The problem I have is the dwell meter goes crazy after I installed solid core wires and I can't get a good reading from it anymore.

 

[chicken]

James

I ended up buying one from Clarkes, i couldn't figure the thing out, i believe i had red wire to + on coil, black wire to + on battery and then they said about earthing the king lead (main HT lead), well the meter sat it 65 degrees however i twisted and turned, made a cup of tea and that made no difference. So ended up doing the points with a feeler gauge anyway !!!!!!

Rob