3.7 87 4cylndr gap point setting

[roadrash]

for this year boat all i can find is either the points should be set between 16 and 19 or at 22. Anyone know? had no spark in the begging and now a week one. would like to make sure the gap is set properlly

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: 3.7 87 4cylndr gap point setting

3.7L gap is.022" and dwell is 30 degrees (+- 2 degrees. )Timing 8 dbtdc.

 

[roadrash]

Re: 3.7 87 4cylndr gap point setting

thank you

 

[roadrash]

Re: 3.7 87 4cylndr gap point setting

Boat fired right up! Should i be concerned about the dwell? I got the points close to dead nutzzz and this is the first time doing points and some one told me that u have to make sure the dwell is acurate or this type of engine will self destruct. Well isnt this the same thing, just a little more accurate? Also what kind of lube should be on the sponge? thank you

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: 3.7 87 4cylndr gap point setting

The dwell method is a little more accurate than the f.gauge and can show distributor shaft bearing wear. If U are good with the f.gauge and set the timing correctly,U SHOULD be fine.When U say sponge,do you mean at the points or under the rotor?

 

[Don S]

Re: 3.7 87 4cylndr gap point setting

Yes, you should be concerned about the dwell. That is what tells you if your points are set correctly. The gap is just for getting the gap close enough to run so you can check the dwell. Since dwell also affects timing, you will also need to check and probably reset your idle timing and readjust idle mixture and idle speed. You then need to verify the advance is working properly

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: 3.7 87 4cylndr gap point setting

U beat me Don!

 

[roadrash]

Re: 3.7 87 4cylndr gap point setting

The sponge seems it should have lubercation on it so when the points hit the high point it doesnt wear out. looks like im out to buy a dwell meter, any suggestions? Again thank you

 

[roadrash]

Re: 3.7 87 4cylndr gap point setting

Buddy of mine dug a dwell meter out of storage 4 me. In the book and in the directions it says to adjust the dwell by the allen wrench threw the window. Well no window on the new or old cap. Havnt gone back out to look at it yet but should I just coninue with the feeler gages to i get it right? thnks

 

[Don S]

Re: 3.7 87 4cylndr gap point setting

In the book and in the directions it says to adjust the dwell by the allen wrench threw the window.

That is the directions for the OLD Chevy automotive distributor caps back when they had points. You need to use the dwell meter, not the dwell meter instructions.
To adjust the dwell, you adjust the opening of the points a little bit at a time till you get it right. Yea, you have to remove the cap to do that.
You can also leave the cap and rotor off and crank the engine and watch the dwell and adjust at the same time. You may have to be off a little one way or the other to get it right when the engine is running.

 

[roadrash]

Re: 3.7 87 4cylndr gap point setting

Thnks Don your advice is apreciated

 

[roadrash]

Re: 3.7 88 4cylndr gap point setting

Re: 3.7 88 4cylndr gap point setting

Thnks Don your advice is apreciated. the engine is a 88 not a 87 as first mentioned