Adjusting points on C&C 27

[NeilMcCubbin]

As new owner of a C&C 27 I am finding access to the distributor and points very difficult
Does anyone have a trick to suggest?

[Dave Neptune]

Neil, if you can mark the accy pulley when #1 is firing you can replace the distributor in approximately the same place using the direction the rotor is pointed as another mark. Then you can just pull it out and do a good job on it.

WARNING, these old distributors are mostly shot as far as the cam in the distributor is concerned so setting the points with a gap is almost worthless as that gap now due to wear of the cam is going to through the dwell off (way to much ) which is what you are trying to set. You really need a dwell meter and or a distributor machine to set accurately.

My personal suggestion is to convert to EI and you won't need to touch it again for 100's of hours . Well worth doing.

Dave Neptune

[sdemore]

I have a C&C 30 and am sort of able to go up over the engine. Adjusting the timing is another story. Kind of tough to see the timing marks while reaching over the top to get to the distributor. I like Dave's approach, but not sure I could mark it closely enough.

[JOHN COOKSON]

Try setting the gap with a feeler gauge between the points. After a few tries you will be able to set the gap in this manner and the gap will be correct when you pull the feeler gauge out. Also it might help if you mark high point on the distributor cam somehow. This will tell you when the rubbing block on the points is on is on a high area on the cam. I use a very small piece of blue tape for this.
After setting the gap correctly be sure and check the dwell.

TRUE GRIT

Edit: A big welcome to the forum

[joe_db]

EI will keep you from needing routine access to the distributor
On my C&C 35 access is decent, you take the steps off and lean over the engine.

[cdhickey]

I've got access hatches cut on each side of the engine compartment on my C&C 30. They have been a life (or back, or knuckle) saver and greatly improve access. If my memory of the 27 is correct, this could be an option for you as well.