Adjust points on a 1963 Pontiac catalina?

Answer 1

American V-8 engines are commonly set with a dwell angle of 28-32 degrees. The point set is found under the distributor cap. It looks like a tiny record player arm without the turntable.

Easy way:

1. If you have a dwell meter, attach it as shown in the instructions.
2. With the engine running and warm, open the little peep door in the distributor cap. Using a long screwdriver, turn the adjustment screw until the dwell angle is 28-32 degrees. I prefer 28 degrees to avoid advancing the timing too much at higher engine speeds.
3. Reset the engine timing/idle speed. Remember to remove the vacuum advance and plug the end with a nail, tape, or Golf tee. THIS IS A MUST.

OR. If you don't have a dwell meter, be prepared for some more finesse.

1. Remove the cap. Keep the wires attached if you can, but remove the coil wire so you don't get zapped.
2. Find a friend to help with this. Bump the engine until the distributor lobe is holding the point armature open. It'll take a few tries.
3. Insert a paper matchbook cover into the gap and turn the adjustment screw until you feel slight drag on the cover when you pull it out. (An old timer told me this trick and the dwell ended up at 30 degrees which I confirmed with a dwell meter I borrowed later.)
   
4. If it's been a long time, or you don't know its condition, replace the condenser. It looks like a tiny ignition coil and only costs a few bucks to replace. The condenser prevents the points from receiving too much voltage and overheating which causes premature failure.
5. Mount the distributor cap and reconnect the coil lead.
6. Reset the engine timing/idle speed. Remember to remove the vacuum advance and plug the end with a nail or golf tee. THIS IS A MUST.

My research says that the points should be checked every 3000 miles. I saw another claim that they'll last 10,000. Just check it as needed.