Re: Pointedly sluggish

Posted by Fish'n Jim On 2018/9/13 19:09:45

I don't like disagreeing with expert Ross, I buy his solution, points & condenser bad) but not necessarily the "explanation".
Maybe just semantics.
One of the functions of the condenser is to prevent jumping or "premature" or too many sparks. ie only spark while contacts are closed.
If the dwell angle is low, that's supposed to mean, the contacts are engaged/closed/sparking for a lesser amount of time which could be a sign the spark is jumping early, ie, it's acting like the timing is off, maybe due to faulty condenser. But it's also a function of how it's measured electrically.
If it's all functioning, then the contact gap controls the dwell typically. AKA adjusting the points via feeler or dwell method.
If points couldn't keep up with the rpms, like a weak spring issue, worn follower, or resistive/inductive bounce, I'd suspect the dwell signal would be noisy/jumpy not just low? Maybe was not noted? Analog dwell meters have a bit of indicator damper so it maybe the device response.
That's how they(Kettering) discovered the need for a capacitance in the spark circuit in the first place, if I recall. The points life is reduced when the condenser is bad.
Nothing to do during a hurricane but contemplate dwell???
I'm sure HH or Ross will correct me or others have an opinion.