To dwell or not to dwell, that is my question......

[gregory]

So,

I am of the generation that grew up as fuel injection and coil over plugs were taking over. I took auto shop in HS, and can fix screw up most simple things. Did a few points/plugs/condensers in my youth, but man, it has been awhile.

So, I am now the reluctant proud owner of a carbureted V8 Mercruiser and am getting ready to do a tune up for the upcoming season. I do not own a timing light and or dwell meter and am looking at purchasing one. There are several to choose from. At a minimum, I will get one with a Tach, as I do not trust to boat's Tach.

My question is, do I need to get one with a dwell meter or can I let the dwell be what it is? Keep in mind, this will probably be the only application for this tool.

Thanks!

Gregory

 

[FJRay]

I would convert to electronic ignition. Set it once and forget it. I'll send you a timing light to use,

Give me a call if you need to.

 

[dravnx]

I have a dwell tach you can have for the cost of shipping.

 

[SLK50]

It the days before electronic ignition I always set dwell.

Gap alone did not give as good a "tune", IMO.

Still have a dwell meter but probably haven't

used it in 25 years.

At one time I had a car with dual ignition. It had two

of everything. Distributors, plugs, coils, etc.

You could tune on one while it ran on the other.

Very cool.

 

[Fred W]

If you decide to keep the points, setting the dwell can be accomplished by accurately setting the gap. The two adjustments accomplish the same thing, determine the duty cycle of the points. A tended to have more problems with condensers going bad than the points.

But I'd be inclined to go with what Ray suggests and get a CDI upgrade for your distributor and be done with all of that forever. Especially when you have to do it leaning down into the bilge of a boat.

 

[gregory]

Thanks gents, I knew I would find the right answer here!

Ray, if I don't upgrade, I may take you up on the offer.

 

[Bugman]

I used to convert all my vehicles and friends vehicles with a XR-700 ignition. Crane cams now sells these. I have never known one to fail. Pertronix makes the Ignitor brand ignition retrofit kits for your mercruiser. That would be the simple solution.

 

[wetwolf]

Discussing the merits of electronic ignition is pointless.............

 

[rogdeb]

^^^

 

[BakerBoy]

Discussing the merits of electronic ignition is pointless.............

Great timing.

 

[wfooshee]

Let's not dwell on this, please.....

 

[Bounce]

I would convert to electronic ignition. Set it once and forget it. I'll send you a timing light to use,

Give me a call if you need to.

IIWM I'd stick with the timing light. It's inexpensive and easy to use. Unless I had real problems, I'd avoid electronic ignitions. Your "classic" is current EMP-proof and that's a rare treasure.

 

[Bugnatr]

Keep the points, I'll send you a fingernail file.

 

[Fred W]

I find the whole thing quite shocking...

 

[dravnx]

I would convert to electronic ignition. Set it once and forget it. I'll send you a timing light to use,

Give me a call if you need to.

IIWM I'd stick with the timing light. It's inexpensive and easy to use. Unless I had real problems, I'd avoid electronic ignitions. Your "classic" is current EMP-proof and that's a rare treasure.

I think if the N. Koreans were to set off an EMP burst over Northern California, the least of his worries would be if his boat could still run.

 

[Bounce]

I'd be more concerned about... never mind... that's definitely political.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Keep the points, I'll send you a fingernail file.

So 'Bug, how will you do your nails then??

--G