points and plugs

My 79' Commander powered Nautique states on the valve cover to use autolite ARF 32 plugs gapped at .032 and .017 for points. The posts i have read say autolite 25s at .035 and .018 on points. 32 is much hotter than 25 although the boat sarts hard with 24s. The previous owner "filed" the points to get the engine running. Wouldn't this alter the .018 desired? also how do I set the points? they seem chea; enough to try. Any advise would be great.   Thanks Rob

Woodboy:

To answer your questions:
1. The difference between .017 and .018 will probably be unnoticable, so I would not worry too much about that. Same with .032 and .035.
2. I believe the correct plugs are: AC R42 TS, Motor Craft ASF 32 C set at .035
3. Better than point gap would be to set the dwell angle between 24 and 29 degrees. Otherwise .017 or .018. This is set by removing the cap and rotor, loosening the screw holding the points to the base plate and using a flat blade screw driver in the "slot" to move the points. Note that the point "follower/finger" needs to be on top of one of the cam lobes (distributor shaft). Keep the set screw snug so that the points only move when pressure applied via the screw driver. Recheck after tightening the screw.

Make sure the electrical system has the ballast resistor present or you will be burning points often and thus the need to file them. But, sometimes the points can corrode during long periods of unuse and need a quick filing.

Let us know if you have more questions. And, yes the electronic modules can eliminate all this.

.035"

I use 24's in my 79

David F wrote: <snip> 2. I believe the correct plugs are: AC R42 TS, Motor Craft ASF 32 C <snip>

I believe the above is for the base engines. 24's are ok for the higher output engines.

go to page 11 of the manual

spark plug specs

24's are the correct plugs for non-resistor type plugs, if you like to use resistor type plugs then choose one of the others or use the 14mm plugs if your heads are newer and require the smaller diameter plugs