Slant 6 Dwell/Gap - 65 Valiant

[Bill Shields]

I replaced the points in my 1965 Valiant Slant Six and have set them three times. I turn the crankshaft pulley to get the spring arm centered onto the cam lobe. Each time I think I've hit the .017 - .020" range of gap, I find that the dwell reads around 30 degrees instead of 40+. This isn't the first time I've set points in 40 years of car collecting and farming, though the Slant 6 distributor is in a really awkward spot. Anyone else encounter this issue?

Bill
Luray, VA

 

[RustyRatRod]

Sounds like the distributor shaft has slop in it.

 

[AJ/FormS]

I agree about the worn bushing. That's why there is an adjustment range; to ballpark the dwell. On a low-rpm engine it ain't that important. Just don't forget to adjust the timing.

 

[Aaron65]

When my Dart had a points distributor, I just pulled it out to set the points; it's easier than trying to do it down in the pit of the engine compartment.

 

[Slantsix64]

I would upgrade to electronic ignition to a 1973 and up reman dizzy FBO limiter plate Mr.gasket mopar springs have full advance in at 2800rpms. more power torque better starting and mpg. youll be surprised on how much this will wake up a slant. sounds like your dizzy is worn.

 

[slantsixdan]

Me, I would steer clear of a cruddy "reman" distributor and the mediocre Mopar electronic ignition. Instead I'd do the much better, very affordable and easy HEI upgrade with a new distributor, myself. If I wanted nonstandard advance curves, I'd also talk to DusterIdiot (find him over at slantsix.org ) about a custom distributor recurve matched to your engine and car and driving, rather than just taking a shot in the dark by declaring all the advance should be in by some arbitrary engine speed. But that's just me, LOL.

If you decide to keep breaker points because you're a masochist or something, pull the distributor to R&R them. It's much faster, easier, and more accurate that way, and dropping tiny screws is much less likely and much less consequential.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Me, I would steer clear of a cruddy "reman" distributor and the mediocre Mopar electronic ignition. Instead I'd do the much better, very affordable and easy HEI upgrade with a new distributor, myself. If I wanted nonstandard advance curves, I'd also talk to DusterIdiot (find him over at slantsix.org ) about a custom distributor recurve matched to your engine and car and driving, rather than just taking a shot in the dark by declaring all the advance should be in by some arbitrary engine speed. But that's just me, LOL.

If you decide to keep breaker points because you're a masochist or something, pull the distributor to R&R them. It's much faster, easier, and more accurate that way, and dropping tiny screws is much less likely and much less consequential.

Hay you be quiet! I like points. I value my masochism. Thank you very much. LOL