(05-04-2022, 03:07 PM)John H Wrote: I've always checked the dwell with the engine actually running, and iteratively adjusted the points to get it right. Measuring it with the engine running has the added diagnostic that you can check the dwell doesn't significantly alter with revs. Some modern systems have "variable dwell", but certainly not the DJ !!
Try the starter motor method for the initial setting, it can save a bit of time. Although if you know your own vehicle's quirks perhaps not. One thing I forgot to say is, remove the rotor before you try this... I used to envy the GM guys with the DELCO 'window' distributor: fit points, eyeball the gap, fit the cap, grab your hex (Allen) key and tweak it to spec with the engine running. Some of whom we call bush mechanics (shade-tree mechanics in the US) eschewed the dwell meter and just adjusted for best results.