Setting timing with light on a 217

[Rodney Bullock]

I am wondering, Don was saying that when you put new points in your car. You have to time it again. I don't understand why. If I started with new points and never changed my stting why would I need to change it with another set of new points. The car starts right up like it did before the trouble. Should I fix what is not broke?

[Niel Hoback]

Point gap affects timing. If you started with a new set of points set at .020, and then set your timing at 5 degrees ahead, the timing will change as the point gap changes though wear.

When you change to a new set of points its a good idea to recheck your timing to make sure its where you want it with the new points reset at .020.

Always set the point gap first, then set the timing.

[Normspeed]

Rodney, you're probably right on with it the way it is, but regular procedure on tuneups is to recheck timing after any work is done on the points. You could just put a light on it for a quick check, without even loosening the hold down bolt.