Thanks to all for the info and corrections.  When I have a chance I'll do an
experiment where I set proper gap and timing, then pull the plugs and
diminish the gap and check timing, and/or increase the gap and check timing.
tx,
bmc  :)

Ben McCafferty
ben@volkscafe.com

Volks Cafe
1823 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA  95062
831-426-1244
http://volkscafe.com

> From: Bill N <freeholder@STARBAND.NET>
> Reply-To: Bill N <freeholder@STARBAND.NET>
> Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 11:08:47 -0700
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Gap of Sparks
>
> This is not quite correct.  The coil fires when the points OPEN, not when they
> close, due to
> the collapse of the magnetic field.  The dwell time influences the charge.  I
> do disagree with
> Bulley a bit.  I think the gap makes more difference than he thinks.  First,
> lightning bolts do
> not move at the speed of light.  Second, when the coil fires, the charge takes
> a period of time
> to build at the plug and jump the gap.  The wider the gap, the longer the
> time.  It isn't going
> to make a huge difference, but it will make some.
>
> Bill
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ben McCafferty" <ben@VOLKSCAFE.COM>
>>
>> Well, yes and no.  Points have a dwell angle, which is the amount of time
>> (in degrees) they are close enough together to arc and send spark out the
>> rotor and dist. cap to the plug.  But if you consider that once set, dwell
>> is a constant, then changing gap will in fact affect timing.  I'm basing
>> this on experience only, so like you say, maybe an EE can jump in and help
>> out.  Further, since you set timing based on plug #1 only, having different
>> gaps in each cylinder can also cause problems.