Setting Points Gap

[ghia1974]

I'm brand new to the Roadster community. I recently purchased a 70 1600 that does not turn over. I've decided to work through the normal troubleshooting process by checking spark, fuel and air. To that end I have decided to replace the plugs, points, condenser, rotor, wires and cap. I have looked at the 311 manual; however the guidance/illustrations are not clear on how to properly adjust the points to get the desired gap (.018"-.022"). The manual discusses to turn the engine crankshaft using the crank handle to get to the high point on the distributor cam. I have no idea where the crank handle is located. In addition, I'm accustomed to the points having 1 screw and a notch where you put the screw driver against a small post to position the points prior to tightening the retainer screw. Could someone please provide some additional details???

[redroadster]

It won't turn over ? Or it doesn't fire up ? Is it locked up ? Does it roll easy in neutral? You can turn the engine over by rockong the car forward and nack in 4th gear. If not best start pulling spark plug s and squirt penetrating oil in the cyls and let set
Other wise turning the engine over with a socket /rachet on the crank bolt ( its hard to access though )

[jrusso07]

To get on high point of distributor cam, I put the car in 2nd gear, brake off, engine off and push it, its hard to push and the cam moves just a few degrees each push, so you can sneak up on it. On the points, there is a locking/retainer screw and the adjustment screw. The adjustment screw is not concentric so it has a cam action. It opens the points from nothing to max in one revolution. Be sure to use brass feeler gauge as to not damage the point contacts. It is also helpful to check the dwell if you have a meter. I fine tune the point gap with the dwell meter

[ghia1974]

Got everything sorted!!! Purrs like a kitten now. Of course took it out for a victory lap around the block and lost my brakes....Lots of brake fluid on the inner right rear tire. Was looking at wheel cylinders/rebuild kits didn't see anything out there. Now I'm praying its only the brake line.

[notoptoy]

Check the vendor links, kits are readily available. Congratulations on getting her running!

[theunz]

Check out this post from seabiscuit, had his cylinders rebuilt for only $35
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