How to Set the Dwell on a 350 Pontiac

Pontiac first equipped its vehicles with the 350 cubic-inch V8 engine in 1968. From 1968 through the 1974 model year, the 350 was equipped with one set of mechanical ignition points located within the distributor. As the engine operates, the points open and close. The amount of time that the points remain open during a given cycle, as measured in degrees, is referred to as dwell. For the 1968 models, the 350's dwell was between 28 and 32 degrees. For the remaining years, the dwell angle was 30 degrees. Fortunately, adjusting the dwell takes only a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Dwell meter
• Hex wrench

Instructions

1. Clasp the dwell meter's positive cable to the positive post on the top of the ignition coil. The ignition coil's positive post is noted by the "+" symbol stamped into the coil next to the post.

2. Clasp the dwell meter's negative cable to the negative post on the top of the ignition coil. The negative post is noted by the "-" symbol next to the post.

3. Raise the small metal flap on the side of the distributor cap to access the distributor's adjusting screw.

4. Turn the engine on and note the dwell angle as measured by the dwell meter.

5. Turn the distributor's adjusting screw with a hex wrench slowly while monitoring the measured dwell angle until the proper measurement is reached.

6. Turn the engine off.

7. Lower the metal flap on the distributor cap.

8. Unclasp the dwell meter's two cables.

References

• "Motor's Auto Repair Manual, 39th Edition"; Motors; 1976
• "Motor's Auto Repair Manual"; Ralph Ritchen; 1968