change em or adjust em
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
The points tend to burn and erode from the constant electrical discharges across them. When you start to detect some ignition 'miss' problems, that's the time to inspect the points. If the contact surfaces are rough and/or pitted/charred, you can use a points file to clean them up. A few strokes of the file [when placed between the released contacts] should remove the rough/discolored surface. Be certain that the contact surfaces mate well across the entire surface when you are done. You can lightly bend the contact arm in order to get them to mate well. Once you reinstall them, you need to check/reset the dwell adjustment. Timing will not be affected if dwell is set properly and the distributor is not loosened/moved. If your 'clean-up' work doesn't appear to get the ignition to operate as well as you expect, it's time to replace the points and the condensor. Also inspect and clean the contact surfaces of the distributor cap and the rotor while you are in there. If the rotor arm contact and/or the cap electrode contacts are badly pitted/burned, it is time to change them. Replace both at the same time.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
and then you're really farqued. Most people keep a spare set of points in their car for when the electronic thingy fails. I couldn't make up my mind where to keep them, so figured the best place was inside the distributor. That meant there was no room for the electronic thingy, so that stays at home where it can cr*p out all it wants. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
i don't believe in the use of files to smooth the contacts. that may have been an acceptable method of extending useable life on the family car, but not in a performance engine. the spark occurs when the points open, and there is a sudden collapse of the emf stored in the coil. if the points are filed, the result will be hundreds of smaller ridges that will act as arc generating tips. this will cause a much slower (longer duration) break in the electrical circuit, and a slower and weaker collapse in the emf of the coil. if the points are pitted change them and the condensor and plugs, but unless you're racing on a track, you should get 8-10K miles on points, condensor and plugs.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
Filed points are better than burned points. Of course, you could always change them when they start to run 'rough'. You might want to buy points by the 'six-pack' if that is your approach.
P.S. If messing with points is a big deal to you, buy an electronic module or switch to a GM H.E.I. distributor. To me, popping the distributor cap on a rainy day is no big deal.
P.S. If messing with points is a big deal to you, buy an electronic module or switch to a GM H.E.I. distributor. To me, popping the distributor cap on a rainy day is no big deal.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,425
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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New points cost 'How Much'?
Filing will work just fine, but don't you have to remove the points to do that? Once they are out why not just put a new set in? PG.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
Millions of people also smoke cigarettes. Also a bad practise.
Change them once a year at begenning of your season. You cannot drive enough to wear them out in a year. I would also recommend Delco or NAPA points. The rest are crap.