Basic-Electrical Question Distributer Points

My TE-20 would crank but not start. I looked at the Distributer and there was no gap. I read my I&T and set the gap at .015" while on the cam flat. Thus they never touch and open to >.015" on the point of the cam.

She started right up. But lacked power. I re looked at the distributer and the gap had opened to .030+. (I had not tightened the screws enough) I reset the gap at .015" and tightened it down good. Works like a charm.

I asked a Motorhead fried here at work who said no the gap is set at the cam high point. THus they are always in contact until the cam breaks the circuit. Thus firing the plug. This makes since to me but the oposiite seems to work on the tractor.

Then I read my Dealer shop manual.... and where the cam should be is considered a point of common knowledge as it is not even discussed.

Just tring to understand how the distributer does it's thang.

Jeff TE-20