How to Operate a Dwell Meter

Dwell angle varies between different engines.

Four-cylinder engines operate in part by a combustion process assisted by electrical sparks. These sparks are timed to fired at the correct times by a distributor cap. If the cap is set improperly, serious engine malfunction and even failure can result. In order for this crucial part of an engine's ignition system to function properly, the amount of time the primary circuit is closed to charge its coils must be set. This amount of time is known as "dwell angle" and may be correctly measured using a dwell meter.

Things You'll Need

• Dwell meter
• Four-cylinder engine

Instructions

1. Attach the green clip of the dwell meter to the negative (-) ignition coil terminal of the distributor.

2. Attach the black cable from the dwell meter to any solid metal (ground) part of the vehicle's body.

3. Start and run the engine until the upper radiator hose becomes warm.

4. Check the display of the dwell meter to determine the engine's dwell scale. The dwell scale will be a number between 0 and 60.

References

• Century Performance: Setting Breaker Points
• Moyer Marine: What Is "Dwell Angle", and How Do I Measure It?
• Second Chance Garage: How to Tune up Your Car
• Diseno Art: Dwell Meter
• Actron: Dwell/Tach/Voltmeter Operating Instructions