Re: Who wants to tell me about points?

Posted by PackardV8 On 2012/8/17 18:24:14

1. Get an ignition points file and a feeler gauge. Dwell meters are often recommended but they are mostly just showmanship. The feeler gauge is far superior. THEN use a dwell meter to just CHECK the dwell if someone gives u a long convincing sales pitch about them.

2. The points MIGHT need to be filed once every 3 or 4 months if the car sets without running for long periods of time especialy in humid conditions. Do not use sandpaper except under severe emergency conditions.

3. Avoid replacing coils, condensers or any part of the ignition system UNLESS there is performance problems. IF AIN"T it BROKE DON"T FIX IT!!!!!

THe problem is that if u replace a coil or a condenser etc that has been working just fine then u run the risk of replacing with new parts that may not be of the same mfg'er quality. I.e u mite be replacing a good Delco or AL or Standard PRoducts part with some kind of a noname unknown "import" part.

4. Do not discard the old parts. If they are good carry them in the car as roadside repair parts.

5. Need to carry points file, spare coil,cap,rotor,plugs,points for road side repairs. They are usualy cheap parts and fit into small spaces.

THe points ignition is very ez maintenece once u get used to it. Very simple and easy and cheap.

I check points gap and file about every 5K to 10K miles. Frequency of such inspection can vary alot from car to car and environment to environment. I have one application here that i never touched the points nor lifted the cap in 12 years and more than 500 hours of operation.

Just check the points every 6K miles. U'll get a feel for often u need to do it in your particular situation. I have routinely gotten at least 20K to 25K miles out of the SAME set of points across a wide variety of engine applications from motysickles to farm tractors to cars lite trucks etc etc. before i had to replace.