How do I gap my points?
How do I gap my points?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
From: BC, Canada
You can do it with a dwell meter or a feeler gauge.
For a novice, I'd suggest the feeler gauge. Pull the cap of the distributor, and bump the starter until the rubbing block on the points is on a high point of the distributor cam. The points are now open. Insert the correct size feeler gauge between the two contact points and adjust as needed.
For a novice, I'd suggest the feeler gauge. Pull the cap of the distributor, and bump the starter until the rubbing block on the points is on a high point of the distributor cam. The points are now open. Insert the correct size feeler gauge between the two contact points and adjust as needed.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
From: BC, Canada
68 F100 with a 360? Hmmm...I don't show a listing for such a combination, but 0.017 should work, with a dwell of 24-29, preferably a little closer to 29. I pulled these numbers from the service specs for a '70 with a 360.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 622
Likes: 0
From: Urbandale, Iowa
no listing for a 68 360?
That's kind of strange, since as I understand it, 68 was the year Ford stopped offerring the 352 in the F100 and the only V8's offerred were the 360 and 390, with the 360 being the more common of the two.
I have also heard that you can use a matchbook cover to gap your points in a pinch
That's kind of strange, since as I understand it, 68 was the year Ford stopped offerring the 352 in the F100 and the only V8's offerred were the 360 and 390, with the 360 being the more common of the two.
I have also heard that you can use a matchbook cover to gap your points in a pinch
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
From: BC, Canada
I'm using a Chilton manual, so it leaves out a lot. It doesn't even list a 352 available past '65, I my '67 used to have one stock.
What can I say, it came with the truck...
As for the matchbook, yes I've done that before and it will at least get you home so you can set them properly.
What can I say, it came with the truck...
As for the matchbook, yes I've done that before and it will at least get you home so you can set them properly.
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,393
Likes: 0
From: Thomson, GA
Have you looked into a modern electronic ignition? Pertronix and Crane make good units that are easier to install than gapping your points. Youll get a bettter running engine, easier starts, and a bump in milage, and best of all, NEVER AGAIN will you wrestle with a set of points.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Rockfield, KY
I'll second the suggestion for the Pertronix unit. I put one in my truck years ago. It works great and other than two wires coming out of the distributor instead of one you can't even tell it's in there. Points suck. I used to keep a spare set with me and the tools needed to change them and used them on the side of the road more then once.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: Dudley, GA
Dump the points! They are easy to install and you will notice a huge improvement over the point system. I have to ask why people keep a set of points for emergencies. Has anyone has an electronic ignition crap out on them???
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 886
Likes: 1
From: Houston/Hope BC
Also the 75/76 360/390 stock duraspark electronic distributor and module should retrofit to this engine offering a huge improvement over points and perhaps a cost savings versus aftermarket.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 0
From: nevada
dinosaur points
Do yourself a favor and spend the $70 for a Pertronix setup. Haven't had my dist cap off for 6 yrs. I used to hang on to the old points, had a whole handful of them. Whether I put the $20 Accels in or a cheap set, it didn't matter. Savin' money now!
