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| | | Forums66 Topics128,020 Posts1,055,345 Members48,420 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 13 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 13 | what is the points setting on a 1954 chevy stakebed model 3600. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | mrhaney,
The 1954 Shop Manual states 0.018" (0.015" to 0.022") for used points and 0.022" (0.018" to 0.024") for new points.
I usually set them 0.019" new and 0.016" used and check them every 1,000 miles.
Someone else might have dwell settings (30-32 degrees??). I use a dwell meter, if one is available.
Tim | | | | | Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 13 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 13 | thank you very much. i was setting them at .016 and it would run but not as good as i am use to. does .003 make a lot of difference? what affect happens when you go up or down from the correct setting | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 | I always set mine at .019. If i guage it too tight, I am still within spec.
dwell effects timing
timing does not effect dwell | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | When the gap changes it changes the timing. Get the gap correct & put a tiny pinch of grease on the cam. Then set the timing. They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | mrhaney,
When the points are closed, your coil is "charging" (saturating), which will allow a full, hot spark to the plugs when the points open. If the points are set too tight (I think), this saturation time is diminished which can result in a poor spark, hence poor performance.
Stuart | | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 22 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 22 |
Later JJ and 4 Keep the shiney side up
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 22 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 22 |
Later JJ and 4 Keep the shiney side up
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 586 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 586 | Small point gap = shorter saturation time = larger dwell reading.
Wanted Good Woman: Must be able to cook , clean , sew , tune engines and polish trucks. Must have old Stovebolt and garage. Please send picture of old Stovebolt and garage.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 | Small point gap = longer saturation time = larger dwell reading. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | I'll cast my vote with the telephone tech from WA. Stuart | | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 22 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 22 | Waldo, you da man.
My 1947 Studebaker Shop Manual agrees with Waldo.
Also my 1968 Motors, Truck repair Manual, 21st edition, page 22 says "small gap = excessive dwell".
I have lots of old books, maybe I should get some new ones and try to catch up with technology or am I too far behind?
JJ and 4
Later JJ and 4 Keep the shiney side up
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 586 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 586 | You are right again Waldo53,longer saturation time.
Please Note: 50 percent of the time,I am right every time!
Wanted Good Woman: Must be able to cook , clean , sew , tune engines and polish trucks. Must have old Stovebolt and garage. Please send picture of old Stovebolt and garage.
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