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How do you adjust a point gap?
Place the correct size feeler-gauge blade between the points to measure the gap. On most types you can adjust the gap by freeing the fixing screw and sliding the entire assembly, or sometimes just one contact, around a pivot; some types have a special adjusting screw.
How do I know if my points are bad?
Symptoms of Bad or Failing Points & Condenser
- Vehicle not starting. If your vehicle will not start, it is possible there is a problem somewhere within the points and condenser.
- Engine will not fire.
- Engine runs rough.
What are points in a distributor?
Points. Ignition points are a set of electrical contacts that switch the coil on and off at the proper time. The points are opened and closed by the mechanical action of the distributor shaft lobes pushing on them. The points have a tough job, switching up to eight amps of current many times per second at highway speed
How do I check my distributor points?
Test for continuity between the block and the stationary point attached to the distributor plate. Rotate the engine until the points are closed. Use the multi-meter to test for a good connection between the points. A slight gap when the points are supposed to be closed will keep your machine from running.
What happens if point gap is too big?
If the spark plug gap is incorrectly set, it can lead to engine issues.Too small of a gap may give too weak of a spark to complete the combustion process within the engine; too wide of a gap can lead to the spark plug not firing correctly, causing misfires at high speeds.
How do you adjust dwell points?
Turn the key ON and crank the engine. Using a feeler gauge to get close, adjust the points to the desired setting according to dwell readings and tighten the points. Crank it again to be sure the dwell angle is still correct. You can now go on to set your timing.
Do points spark?
Points shouldn’t spark when the engine is running but they might while you’re working on it. The points are the grounding circuit for the primary side of the ignition coil. If the secondary side is not completed – spark plugs in and hooked up, (make sure the plug leads are good) you can get a spark across the points.
What has power to points but no spark?
If no spark is visible, check to see if the points or wires are shorting to ground either at the points or at the primary terminal screw going through the housing. Also check where the contact spring connects to the main frame of the points and make sure the insulator is not melted.
Will a bad condenser cause weak spark?
Without it, the duration would be shorter and you would get arcing across the points from the spike. That explanation leaves unanswered the observation that a bad/failing condenser will produce a weak spark if at all.
What replaced points in a distributor?
The distributor shaft has a cam that operates the contact breaker (also called points). Opening the points causes a high induction voltage in the system’s ignition coil.Around the 1970s the primary breaker points were largely replaced with a Hall effect sensor or optical sensor.
What happens if ignition points are too close?
As they close, current from the ignition switch flows through the contacts into the coil’s primary windings and then off to ground.All that current flowing across the points doesn’t like to stop suddenly, and can initiate a small arc, which eventually erodes the tungsten contacts.
Do all distributors have points?
It’s fairly simple. If you open your hood, be sure your car has a distributor cap with very thick wires coming out of the top and going to each spark plug. If you don’t have a standard distributor cap like this, you don’t have points. If you do have a standard distributor cap, you can open the cap up and peek inside.
How long do distributor points last?
They’re used constantly – every time your car is cranked and then the entire time the engine runs. This puts a lot of wear and tear on them (hence the reason better, more durable ignition systems have been created for newer cars). In general, you can expect your points and condenser to last around 15,000 miles or so.
What causes points to burn?
The usual causes for pitted or burned points are setting the points too close or having a bad condenser. I assume you have replaced both the condenser and the points, so double check the gap on the points. Or even better, use a dwell meter if you can find one.
How do you increase dwell angle?
Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct dwell angle setting (i.e. 30 or 32 degrees). Turn the adjustment screw in (clockwise) to increase the dwell, or out (counterclockwise) to decrease the dwell. Once the needle reads the correct number, withdraw the Allen wrench and shut the engine off.
What happens if you gap spark plugs too close?
Excessive Spark Plug Gap
The increased length of the spark travel weakens it, robbing it of the hot, strong ignition charge it needs to fire the plug. Excessive plug gap also results in cylinder misfiring, a possible no-start condition, wet, black or fouled plugs, engine hesitation and rough idle.
How do you set the points on a 302 distributor?
Using dwell angle is the preferred method of setting points.
- Attach the tach/dwell meter to the 302 by clipping the red wire onto the positive “+” side of the coil and the black wire to the negative battery terminal.
- Start the engine and read the dwell angle.
- Bump the engine with the starter until the points open.
Are points and condensers interchangeable?
Any condenser of the same value will work. They are indifferent to voltage but the capacitance (microfarads) should be the same or at least close. They aren’t that accurate from new. If the condenser is perfect your points won’t burn.
What does a condenser do in points ignition?
The condenser absorbs the energy and prevents arcing between the points each time they open. This condenser also aids in the rapid collapse of the magnetic field.
Will points spark if condenser is bad?
Yellow Sparking
If you suspect the condenser is going bad, you can sometimes tell by watching the engine run while it is in idle. The point cover needs to be removed and some engines won’t run without it, but if the condenser is going bad, you are likely to see a large yellow spark jump between the two contact points.