Dwell meter use on a single cylinder engine.

[mcostello]

I have an old meter like dwell meter used to set the point gap on 8 cylinder engines. Can it be used on a single cylinder engine?

 

[MachineTom]

Yes you can, but it is a bit pointless(pun?). On multi cylinder engines, you need time to saturate the magnetic field, (points closed) then enough time for the field to collapse(points open, makes spark) With a single cylinder there is lots of time for both. The point gap also will advance or retard the timing, so after setting point gap, check static timing, as any change in the gap moves the timing.

 

[mcostello]

Thank You,inquiring minds had to know. Not that I am picky but I use a dial indicator to set small engine points if access is available.