Quick Point Gap Setting Tool

R

rfitzpatrick

Well-known member
OK, I've another issue -- have a Point Gap Setting Tool that I used to adjust my points on my Pickup -- and used this tool. The manual says the points are to be set at 18, after I used the Tool, I double checked my setting and found them at .35. took a measurment of the tool piece that you incert between the points and it was 35. If anyone else has this tool, could you verfiy and alert me of your readings, and if they are good -- plz tell me where you got your gap setting tool from -- I can not recall whom I got mine from, tho I've alerted Berts and asked for advise/assistance as I've often ordered parts from them.

Thanks
 
The problem with this tool is it makes the assumption that all the possible variables are always the same and good so the one size that the tool measures for will always be correct.
 
Those point setting tools have been around for years for Fords and other makes and models and work well. The .35 thickness of the setting device takes into account the thickness of the ring that slides over the cam. It sounds like you make not have had the ring pushed all the way down on the cam, otherwise the gap with the ring removed and the points open on the high point of the cam should be around .18 +/-.
 
I don't use a feeler gauge. The standard thread for the adjustable part of the ignition points is 32 threads per inch. I put them on the high part of the cam, turn the adjuster in until the points just close (a powered test light helps), then turn it out 5/8 of a turn. That will put you right at 19 thousandths.

Ken
 
The "Ace" Inventor. I came up with this idea in my Austin Healey days and went to a tool maker to test his skill and see what he thought of the idea. He was quite sure it would work and with a little smile, told me to go to our local auto parts house and buy one there and we could try it on his car. So much for the wealth I was hoping would flow from the royalties on that one, So I went back to work for a living. Using my brain was way to slow.
 
KGBnut said:
I don't use a feeler gauge. The standard thread for the adjustable part of the ignition points is 32 threads per inch. I put them on the high part of the cam, turn the adjuster in until the points just close (a powered test light helps), then turn it out 5/8 of a turn. That will put you right at 19 thousandths.

Ken
Click to expand...

Great idea! Thanks, Ken. :D
 
In an emergency, you can use the ignition wire( wire from distributor to spark plug) to set the gap and it will run. Later use the feeler gage.
 
Fore those that use a feeler gauge, try to find the mini feeler gauge. About 1/4" wide and about 1 1/4 long. same as larger sets but just the blades needed for points and they are stiff and not so flexible. Because of the lighter weight, you can actually feel, even with the light spring pressure on the movable arm. Much better.
 
jrelliott said:
In an emergency, you can use the ignition wire( wire from distributor to spark plug) to set the gap and it will run. Later use the feeler gage.
Click to expand...

I think I need a diagram for this one. In an emergency try a credit card.

PS I got it.
 
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“Back in the day” I would use a paper match book cover to set the points. Just not many of those around any more.
 
Steve at Berts cleared up my problem I caused. You never use the Quick-Point Gap
Setting Tool (A-12198) without using the Thimble. Don't use the setting tool to re-check your points after the Thimble has been removed either -- as this was my 'problem' I created.
Steve was very patient with my questions --
Thanks
 
RE: post # 8 : by KGBnut

Search " setting point gap without feeler gauge" on this forum and you will find another way to open your points to 20* but I think easier than estimating 5/8 of a turn.
I admit the there is way too much info in this post but use the info in the last half for another way to get the 5/8 turn.
 
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Using a feller gage close the points with the gage between them tight, then back off slow until the gage drops.
Vern
 
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