So I got a 60 Ford F100, 292 Y block was running great and then yesterday I noticed my son had left the key on ON switch, I went to started and seemed like there was no spark so I figured the points are bad got a new set threw them on but I have no feeler gauge, Can anybody tell me how to set it without a feeler gauge,I left a small gap but nothing ? or can it be something else ?
If you don't have feeler gauges the cover of a match pad will do. This is an oldtimers trick I learned long ago and it works. If I remember correctly, the gap is around .016" Make sure you have the pad of the movable arm on top of one of the peaks on the shaft. While you're at it, change the condensor too.
The matchbook cover trick will get you close. On every Ford I ever owned the points gap was either .017" or .021".
I understand that the coil can be damaged if the points happen to left closed with the ignition on for a long time. Or perhaps the ignition points were just barely open and arced. If that's the case, then they might just need cleaning up by dragging 400 grit emery paper through them a few times then cleaned by dragging a piece of business card stock wetted with electrical cleaner through. Well that's how I clean mine, I've found point files don't seem to be hard enough to cut the point material.
1960 Ford V8 point gap = .015" or dwell angle 26 - 28 degrees if you have a dwell meter. A dime makes a good gauge. Be sure to turn the engine (by hand) until the points are fully open. If you don't have a dime do not use 2 nickels lol. Once you get it running drive to the parts store and get 2 sets of feeler gauges, small for points and large for valves. With a Y block you need both kinds.
Those tailgate chains are going to destroy your paint, make a lot of noise and then began to beat up the sheetmetal. I use heater hose on my 60.
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