Gapping my points

[ryonker]

I have a meter that you can supposedly used to gap or set points. Do any of you know how to use one of these? I believe it is called a dwell meter. I know you are supposed to hook it up to the coil but that is about it? I am not even sure where to hook it up on the coil. Do you have to have the engine running? Any help here would be great!

Thanks!

Rick
79 GS 750L

[chef1366]

I've always set point gap with a feeler guage.

[tkent02]

.35mm is the spec on my GS1000, at the highest part of the lobe.
Have you downloaded your free shop manual yet?

[ryonker]

I have the downloaded version and the clymers.

So are you saying skip the dwell meter---just gap them with a feeler gauge?

Then use a timing light?

[chef1366]

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/aa052502a_2.htm

[tkent02]

Always works for me. Don't think the dwell is as critical as it is in a car trying to make six or eight sparks every couple revolutions. The bikes always seem to work if it's anything close.

[ryonker]

So you just use a basic timing light---like the kind you get at auto parts stores on online?

[chef1366]

So you just use a basic timing light---like the kind you get at auto parts stores on online?

Yep! I've had a Craftsman for around twenty years! Hook it to #1 plug wire.

[ryonker]

Thanks you guys!!!!!!

[SqDancerLynn1]

I don't remember if the dwell meter will read either 90 or 180 deg As said it is not critical. Timing light is fine if you have one.