Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1959 cadillac ignition Timing, Timing and point settings

Question
Can you tell me the dwell or point setting and which timing marks do I use ? What degree BTDC is the timing setting ? Thanks Al Lancaster Pa.

Answer
Assuming you don't have a high performance or multi-carburetor engine, use the standard settings - dwell is 30 degrees, plus or minus 2 degrees.  If you are installing new points, set them at 28 degrees, since the dwell will increase slightly as the rubbing block wears in.

Always do the point setting first, since that influences the timing, but the reverse is not the case.

The timing mark is on the crank pulley - clean it off thoroughly and you can see the marks.  Set the timing to the middle mark, which is 5 degrees BTC.

Sorry for the slow response - had no time for this service for the last two days.

Dick